Much of the films’ appeal comes from the forceful performance of Asa Butterfield. Harrison Ford as a ruthless colonel passes muster, while Ben Kingsley, sporting Maori face tattoos, manages to register a strong screen presence. Don’t expect originality of either content or style from Ender’s Game and you won’t be disappointed.

Compared to the novel, Writer Director Gavin Hood’s narration starts off on a tad tedious note, making it difficult to figure out the plot during the first act. The story settles in the second half and rushes forth with lots of action, emotional turmoil and thrill. The ending has a good, but not entirely satisfying twist to it. The film plateaus at the climax and somehow lacks the “wow” factor.

The film doesn’t have too many high points – as it usually happens with book adaptations, there are episodes that maybe relevant in the book but don’t necessarily translate well on the big screen.

A solidly made sci-fi film which is worth a watch.

Digging a bit deeper, another question is posed – that if you were given the choice to kill someone who you know would return to kill you and your friends one day, would you go ahead and get them before they got you?
You may not like this film if you don’t enjoy sci-fi movies set in space.