Stepping into the sci-fi film adaptation of the hit 1985 novel, Ender’s Game, went beyond my expectations. Having not read the book, I didn’t know what to anticipate, besides the exciting idea that gaming now links with real life battles in this future-set film.

We are introduced to a near futuristic society that presses the training of their children to be prepared for a second potential attack from an alien species that had taken out millions of people nearly fifty years ago. It is then we meet a young genius, Ender, who is believed to have the potential to be the next war hero.

Ender soon finds himself in space on a ship, among other young minds of his caliber, where they face both physical and mental tests. Over months of intense educating and training, Ender reveals to himself and others that he is worthy as a leader when he constantly thinks beyond the enemy and authority. It can be noted that as time passes, Ender becomes the leader of his peers along with the entire fighting force against the aliens. With the deep psychological factors influencing and challenging him, we witness great character development in the militant protagonist.

The visuals and sound of this film stand beyond measure, as it takes on outer space as well as intergalactic battles between human and alien forces. With this, the special effects were where they needed to be to create incredible battle scenes.

As a whole, Ender’s Game is a must-watch film regardless if you have read the book or not. It takes the futuristic sense of battles in space with aliens. It also holds a strong influence of video gaming; making it a film that engrosses the audience. It is a cinematic experience one would not want to miss.