It seems like an ENDER’S GAME film adaptation has been in the works for over 1o years. Anyone out there remember when that kid from JURASSIC PARK was attached to star? Well, in any case it’s happening now. Based on the 1985 science fiction novel of the same name written by Orsen Scott Card, ENDER’S GAME is definitely a film adaptation I have been eagerly awaiting. Check out the official plot synopsis and trailer below to see what director Gavin Hood (X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE) and stars Asa Butterfield (HUGO) and Harrison Ford (COWBOYS & ALIENS) have in store for us.
In the near future, a hostile alien race (called the Formics) have attacked Earth. If not for the legendary heroics of International Fleet Commander, Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), all would have been lost. In preparation for the next attack, the highly esteemed Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Military are training only the best young children to find the future Mazer. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy, but strategically brilliant boy is pulled out of his school to join the elite.
Arriving at Battle School, Ender quickly and easily masters increasingly difficult war games, distinguishing himself and winning respect amongst his peers. Ender is soon ordained by Graff as the military’s next great hope, resulting in his promotion to Command School. Once there, he’s trained by Mazer Rackham, himself, to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth and save the human race.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD5ABETqmzs[/youtube]
Well there ya have it folks. The special effects look cool and the premise seems on par with the novel, but something feels like it’s missing to me. I think my main issue is that star Asa Butterfield is much too old (16!) for this role. The Ender I now is a small and wimpy-looking 6-year old who suffers from constant bullying from his older brother and peers at the academy. I didn’t get any of that feeling from this trailer and Butterfield is almost as damn tall as Ford. Maybe the studios thought a small 6 year old child kicking ass would be too much for audiences and any potential child actor to handle. Possibly. In my opinion, this series would be great as a completely CGI film to pull that kind of thing off, but what do I know? I will admit that Ford as Commander Graff is an inspired and great choice. I look forward to seeing him return to space science fiction before his inevitable appearance in the new STAR WARS films. For now, this still looks like a pretty fun film and I will reserve final judgement until the credit are rolling.
ENDER’S GAME attacks theaters November 1st 2013.
