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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Lifted 2010 – Featuring Uriah Shelton

Lifted01

 It’s been awhile since any film has made an impact on me like August Rush or Pay it Forward.  While “Lifted” should not be compared to these two films, it is a unique film that was both touching and aroused the same emotional feelings and response as the other two films.

Bullied

Henry Matthews (Uriah Shelton) is a young, slim built, bullied boy, who is just trying to survive middle school.  He was bullied in part due to his mother, who was a recovering drug addict, and the fact that Henry was a misfit in his class among his peers.  At the same time Henry was an extremely talented boy who was not only charming and good looking but had a musical skill that stood out above the rest.  A chip off the block of his Father, played by (Dash Mihok), who portrayed a Marine reservist and struggling auto mechanic, trying to make ends meet and help his wife with her recovery efforts.

Opening Scene

This film captured my heart immediately in its opening scene.  Uriah was singing with his Father at the table in an impromptu cover of “Sunshine” which was done extremely well as an opener, showcasing not only Uriah’s beautiful unbroken voice but showing the closeness of the family unit. [ti_audio media=”1646″] This opening scene was very refreshing, unlike so many other Hollywood films that always seem to feature divorce or broken home relationships. Continue reading “Lifted 2010 – Featuring Uriah Shelton”