Ender’s Game 2013 In Review

“In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him.”                       Ender Wiggin

Enders Game CoverEnder’s Game is a story of relationships, courage, discipline, self control, and learning how to win without losing yourself in the process. 

Although I saw this movie on opening day last November, I couldn’t wait to view it again on DVD. Of course I’m always interested in what is included in the extras and the DVD version has a number of extended scenes and cutting floor clips that director Gavin Hood wishes he could have left in the theatrical release.

Outside of it being a Fall Block Buster, teen actor Asa Butterfield (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and Hugo), was the main reason I wanted to see this film.  After viewing two of his previous films, I knew Asa would be a young actor whose film career I would continue to follow.  Of course playing across from actor giants Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley was truly the clincher for me.

While Ender’s Game starts out much differently that Hugo with its eye popping first scene, Ender’s Game is no slouch with its inclusions of special effects and eye candy.  However, it’s the story that made me a fan and believer, more than CGI effects.     

Ender-Wiggin Watch some stimulating scenes along with the music score

Asa masterfully captures the films version of the lead character Ender Wiggin, a shy and tender boy with an intellect not easily matched among his peers.  The youngest of three siblings, an older brother Peter, played by Jimmy “Jax” Pinchak whom he emulates but whose footsteps he has no desire to follow and an older protective sister “Valentine, played by Abigail Breslin, who wants him to be safe yet desires him to succeed where others have failed.  A Father and Mother who are proud of him yet conflicted about letting him go.  All these relationships that are portrayed on the screen and unfold at different times throughout the film enlighten us to who Ender is and what he must overcome in order to fulfill his destiny.

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Real Steel Has Reel Appeal

realsteelcover

From the beginning of this film you know it’s going to be one that is not only filled with excitement and great special effects but one that has a back-story that will also touch your heart.

Young Max Kenton played by charming 12 year old Dakota Goyo not only supports his co superstar Hugh Jackman, but at times steals the show.

If you have not yet seen this late Summer Box Office thrill ride, you still have time to view it in its entire large screen splendor at many local theaters.

This Smash-um, Bash-um, Rock-um-Sock-um Sci-fi story is not only well produced, but directed in such a way that it masterfully relates its story of relationships, hurts, joys, and the struggle to hold on to your dreams without losing the most meaningful things in your life.

 

Dakota Goyo
Dakota Goyo “Click for Poster Size Picture”

 

 

Hugh Jackman plays Charlie Kenton, a down on his luck ex-boxer who lost his championship boxing career by being replaced by large futuristic fighting robots.  With his life in the state of turmoil due to the loss of his wife, family, and job, he now scrounges parts to create a robot that can compete in the arena and hopefully bring back his respected status among his peers.  Of course this isn’t working out so well, and to make things worse, his ex-wife passes away leaving him his twelve year old son whom he has no time for.  The very thought of becoming a full time Father is the last thing on his list of things to do.

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