Ender's Game - This title is locked up in a lot of memories for many a sci-fi fan, myself included. Many folks were excited to hear about this release. Some, such as myself, were a bit more cautious. Personally, I felt the concept was way past it's time - something that seemed novel and futuristic when I read it in the late 1980's, now seems almost passe to me.
But, I'll give credit where it's due. This was a decent movie. I recommend it as a fast, tight, not wasting any of your time, kind of popcorn and candy flick.
I understand Orson Scott Card had nothing to do with this production, having sold the rights to his original book long long ago. Yet, this movie seemed to stick to the book, in a stripped down manner, at least as I remembered it.
Earth is in a terrible interstellar conflict with insectoid creatures, called the Formix. We use kids to lead our troops because they have fast reaction times, and also because the leadership can shape the kids more completely than they could older recruits. The battles are fought in space and planetary atmospheres with capital ships, smaller attack ships and drones.
Ender Wiggins is a "third born," someone who's birth had to be pre-approved because it exceeded the authorized numbers. In a way he was actually somehow bred for this training program.
We follow Ender as he progresses through his various levels of training and beyond . . .
There was a huge battle with the Formix in the past that was won for Earth by one man's decisive actions. The trainers constantly show what he did. They are trying to create another hero/leader. They are not secretive about their motives.
Throughout, we see Ender striving to understand what is really going on and to hold onto his humanity, regardless of who he is or who he becomes.
There are some great ethical issues explored (though not terribly in depth) in this movie - what is right and what is wrong about things like making a soldier, making a leader, fighting a war, using a new "unthinkable" weapon, what to tell children, when to lie to children, who is the real enemy, is it ever right to hurt or kill when the enemy is down? And more.
It stays true to the ending of the book (as my old memories tell me) and leaves a nice opening for the next movie, if they choose to go in that direction. Regardless, Ender's Game was a decent ride.
If you abhor movies that involve military training - you'll want to avoid this one.
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