What’s it about?
Decades after a brutal attack on the human race by aliens, children are now used as generals to coordinate fleet attacks: their reflexes are faster, their thinking has yet to be stymied by age, and they don’t quite comprehend the concept of death. With a new attack imminent, Earth’s defence forces put their faith in a 9 year-old who appears to be “the one”.

What did we think?
Stephen says: It’s taken over 30 years to get this story onto the big screen, and judging from my friends’ reaction to it (his favourite book from childhood), I can see why. The book is apparently a far more cerebral affair to the movie, which is why its author resisted allowing it to be made for so long.

I’m glad he finally caved in, as Ender’s Game is a rollicking adventure of a young man thrust into greatness (a la Hornblower) … but with a hefty dose of psychological game-play and introspective analysis.

There are spectacular effects, an ending that will leave you gasping, and some pretty hefty concepts to wrap your head around.