Blockbuster or bust? That was the question immediately preceding the opening of the new science fiction film Ender’s Game. The movie, adapted from Orson Scott Card’s 1985 novel seemed all but doomed due to controversy involving Card’s outspoken anti-gay views. In recent years, almost all book-to-screen movies have been horrible. Beautiful Creatures was bad. The Host was even worse. But since the opening of the movie on Nov. 1, things are looking pretty good for the new flick.
Ender’s Game is complex to say the least. It takes place in a future world where kids are being trained for space battle by Colonel Hyrum Graff (played by Harrison Ford, another “plus” of the film) in preparation for the next attack by alien race called the “Formics.” The people are looking for The One, a child with the best instincts who might be able to save the human race. The one who might be able to do it is Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield). He is a cadet with a lot to prove. He is small, and he is also ostracized as the third child in a society that limits families to only two kids per family.
The movie has gotten mixed reviews thus far. Some believe this is due to the overall complexity of the film. The book was rated a 4.3 out of 5 stars. When all the reviews are boiled down, Rotten Tomatoes gives the flick a 75 percent fresh rating, which actually isn’t too bad. But MetaCritic rated the film a 59.
The movie is in theaters. If you’re interested then head on over to the Tinseltown theatre and see for yourself. I recommend going on Tuesday nights, tickets are only $6. You’re welcome.