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.

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.

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.