Tag: Young Actor

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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The Odd Life of Timothy Green Review

The Odd Life Of Timothy GreenWith less than two weeks away from Christmas 2012 I thought I would suggest a sure fire gift that will go on giving long after the Holiday lights have faded.  It is also appropriate for all ages and will equally appeal to all genders.  While I first thought Disney’s “Odd Life of Timothy Green” would be too silly or unbelievable to be enjoyed by adults, I was instead pleasantly surprised by the overall artistry of the entire production.  From casting to cinematography, from direction to special effects, this 2012 summer sizzler truly was both enchanting and remarkably done.   The actors, especially young CJ Adams who played “Timothy” so convincingly portrayed their roles that they made the unbelievable believable.

The premise of the film as portrayed in the trailer, led us to believe that this would just be another film by Disney where the parents are stupid, the kids are smart, and the acting would be less than convincing.  Instead, director Peter Hedges artfully guides his actors to show so much emotion and meaningful dialog that you are immediately drawn into the story.

Timothy Green Trailer1

 The story begins as a young couple is informed by their family physician that they cannot conceive children.  Later, while sitting down together at home, they attempt to console each other by writing down all the attributes they imagined their child would have had.

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