Tag: Ben Kingsley

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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Hugo Magically Enchanting Amazingly Heartwarming

“I’d imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts you know?”

Asa Butterfield as Hugo Cabret
Asa Butterfield as Hugo Cabret

From the opening scenes Hugo catapults its audience into an adventure of wonder and intrigue. The use of 3D magic coupled with digital animation and live actors sets the stage for this wide eyed wondrous cinematic creation.

The film boast an all-star cast starring two amazing young actors Asa Butterfield as Hugo Cabret, and Chloe Grace Moretz as Isabelle.   The relationship between the two begins when Hugo’s life inadvertently becomes intertwined with the life of Isabelle’s Step Father. Their friendship bonds grow even stronger after becoming aware that both of them were orphaned through the loss of their parents.

Asa Butterfield
Asa Butterfield

Hugo (Asa Butterfield) is simply amazing in this film made for the entire family.  One of the first things I noted was his superb acting ability through his use of his facial expressions.  Not since Elijah Wood have I seen this in any young actor.  The masterful use of the camera by director Martin Scorsese  zooming in on our young protégé’s face peering through a huge mechanical clock, drew in the audience and immediately made us feel that we were about to see the world through the eyes of Hugo!

Asa played his part so convincingly that I immediately felt that I was a part of his great adventure and not just a spectator.  His supreme ability to show the proper emotions of hurt, pain, loss, and joy throughout the story made this film more than believable.

 

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