Disclaimer:  I feel like everyone has a right to be informed about Orson Scott Card’s views before they decide whether or not to see a film based on his book.  You can read about his statements here.  Considering that the film reflects none of his controversial viewpoints, I personally have no issue with people deciding to see the film, though I also completely understand those who prefer to boycott.  Judging on the box office performance of the film, it doesn’t seem like a decision either way will make much of a difference at this point.  However, it is always good for people to be informed.

I read Orson Scott Card’s 1985 novel, Ender’s Game when I was a kid and I remember loving it.  It was darker and more interesting than most books aimed at my age bracket at the time (I was probably in late elementary or early middle school), and though I never read any of the book’s sequels, prequels or spinoffs the story still stuck strongly in my mind.  The story’s violence, its interesting moral code, its creative universe where kids are destined to be saviors and its surprise ending were thought provoking and entertaining to my younger self.  The new film adaptation is a faithful, well-crafted one, with some gorgeous effects and an outstanding cast, but it fails to capture the excitement or depth of what I remember from the book.  Whether that’s because I’m incorrectly remembering the novel or because I’m older and have different tastes is up for debate. Continue reading →