For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing... and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, two teenagers in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, and help the citizens escape before the lights go out forever.
What I loved most: no hollywood pretty faces and decent storyline
What I really hated: all puzzles falling into place suddenly...and the ending somewhat
Here's the skinny of the movie. A few ingenious scientists decided that the best for mankind after apocalypse was to live in an underground city. The setback:- this underground city could only last for 200 years. After which the survivors will have to return to the "surface". A box containing the exit plan was to be safeguarded an individual and the generations of successors till 200 years expire. However, the box was lost following the death of one of the guardians, and along with his death the secret is buried too. The city is governed by a corrupted mayor and he successfully brainwashed the citizens into believing that light does not exists outside of the city. Of course, there are a minority who didn't (Tim Robbins is one). It is his son and his love who eventually smartly figured out the key, levers, etc to return to sunshine. They even managed to set the whole community free! ( i shan't elaborate on details) However, the movie ends here and it's happy ending. Or should it be?...The earth remember, is supposed to be a huge wasteland with no life and electricity, food, etc. So they're just moving from one doomsland to another. All said, it's still worth watching.
Before it was a movie, there was a book. Written by Jeanne DuPrau back in 2003, The City Of Ember is a self-contained country made by 'The Builders' 200 years ago to protect humankind from disaster. The story tells us that a box was provided and programmed to automatically open after 200 years to reveal instructions on how to return to the surface.
Two friends, Lina Mayfleet (Saoirse Ronan) and Doon Harrow (Harry Treadaway) who live in the City Of Ember try to find their way out from the city with instructions left by the Builders. They have to go through tough obstacles set up by Mayor Cole (Bill Murray) but the two do not give up on their quest.
Directed by Gil Kenan, the movie appears lacking in adventure and action. It takes a long time before anything actually happens. There are quite a few special effects in this movie. However the gigantic creature is a bit typical, just like the usual monster antagonists in other films. The city's name is clear in it's appearance. It glows just like ember. Since people have been living there for more than 200 years, the "old" production design for the city is quite fitting.
Well, there's nothing bad either about the performance of the two leads, Ronan and Treadaway. However, Bill Murray's take on the lead villain is rather boring. Still, decorated veteran actor Martin Landau appears as Sul, and his performance is very entertaining in this movie as a person who sticks to his job no matter what happens in the world.
Even though this movie is safe to watch with your family, a lot of kids will get bored easily just waiting for some action. Although this movie would fail to entertain some, it's not really a horrible movie - it's just a bland one.
Production Photos - Click thumbnail for larger photos
Premiere Photos - Click thumbnail for larger photos
