Ender's Game

Trailer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP0cUBi4hwE

Something that confuses the hell out of me at the moment is how they film zero gravity scenes in movies and TV. You've got Howard floating about in The Big Bang Theory, the fittingly titled Graviry next month seems to be shot all in zero G. And now there's Ender's Game where they have games of laser tag in a massive realistic no-gravity bubble. I don't know where this magic anti-gravity stage is I'd do anything to have a go on it.

It's one of quite a few very cool scenes in Ender's Game and it surprised me how enjoyable it was. ITS HARRY POTTER MEETS STAR WARS screams the trailer and as much as  it didn't click with me at the time, that's exactly what this film is with an added level of sternness.

The film takes itself very seriously but it's still fun to see the young cadets going to space-school and gasping in surprise as they float around in the no-gravity room. The child actors are a bit hit and miss but there's no truly cringe-worthy child-acting moments. It does feel sometimes like the children could easily be replaced with adults and it still be a legitimate film but the fact everyone is younger does make the film feel lighter. The classroom scenes and cliquey bully-boy tactics save the film from becoming a very dry sci-fi story.

There are some notable talent when it comes to the adult actors as well. Harrison Ford plays his grumpy self which is all well and good but it would have been nice if they'd given him at least a tiny sense of humour. The massive black guy who acts as drill sergeant to the recruits is basically a cartoon character which compliments Ford's super moody realistic performance by reminding viewers it's still kinda a kids film.

Ben Kingsley is in the film as well but I don't really see why as he doesn't serve a purpose. He basically does Harrison Ford's job again but with a funky pattern on his face.

The film's finale is big, epic and explosive and it's such a shame it gets followed by the worst ending I've possibly ever seen in a film. There's just 15 minutes at the end that almost sour your experience of Ender's Game just because it's so unnecessary.

Forget about the disappointing finish though and you'll have a good time with Enders Game. The whole thing could maybe be given a humour-injection but it's still a fun journey and is a great example of a family film that doesn't have to rely on cartoons and basic humour to get people interested.

7/10


Thor 2 review- http://www.elephantchrisfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/