A HOSTILE alien race called the Formics invades earth and is repelled at the last minute by International Fleet Commander Mazer Rackham (Sir Ben Kingsley), who sacrifices his life to bring down the extra-terrestrial mothership.

The International Military prepares for the next attack by scouring the globe for the best young minds and bringing the raw recruits together at Battle School.

Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield) is one hopeful, determined to succeed where his older brother Peter (Jimmy Pinchak) and sister Valentine (Abigail Breslin) failed, and impress highly esteemed Colonel Hyrum Graff (Harrison Ford). "He's the one," Graff tells second- in-command, Major Gwen Anderson (Viola Davis), impressed by Ender's progress.

"That's what you said about his brother,"

retorts Anderson warily. Endless simulations sort the wheat from the chaff, hoping to identify one brilliant child capable of leading the resistance when the Formics return.

Based on the books by Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game is a stirring tale of heroism aimed at young adults, following the lead of The Hunger Games by casting award-winning actors in pivotal roles.

Butterfield demonstrates an impressive emotional range.

DAMON SMITH