Writer: Caroline Thompson (Screenplay) Jeanne Duprau (The City Of Ember Novel)
Starring: Harry Treadaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Murray, Toby Jones, Saoirse Ronan, Martin Landau
Plot: When mankind is about to come to an end a group of scientist decide to create and populate a city deep underground. The city of Ember is to last for 200 years after which its inhabitants are to retrieve from a strong box instruction to return to the surface. Over time however, the message is lost and life in Ember is rapidly deteriorating. Their power supply is failing and food is being rationed. It’s left to two young adults Lina (Ronan) and Doon (Treadaway) to unearth the secret of Ember and to lead the way out.
Verdict: Adventure fantasy for kids, that adult might like
Story: One younger audience books adaptation that went slightly under the radar as it is about a much darker world. The sense of adventure goes through both of them but the overall city seems to be at a level of exception to what is going on. In the end it all comes off as a very enjoyable film with a nice simple to follow story. (8/10)
Actor Review: Saoirse Ronan – Lina the young messenger who has to look after her little sister Poppy she uncovers a disturbing truth about Ember. Good early performance from Saoirse showing that she was a lead in the making. (8/10)
Actor Review: Harry Treadaway – Doon a young man who wants to help fix the problems in Ember, but he also uncovers a disturbing truth about the city’s future. Good performance from the young man who should be getting a chance to show his more adult side soon. (8/10)
Actor Review: Tim Robbins – Loris Doon’s mysterious father who has a habit of inventing things. Good supporting role from Robbins who enters in a more information zone level character. (7/10)
Actor Review: Bill Murray – Mayor Cole the leader of the city but he is looking for a quick getaway before the city collapses completely. Good performance that Bill looks like he has some fun with. (7/10)
Director Review: Gil Kenan – Good live action debut behind the camera following up the Monster House previously. (8/10)
Adventure: Good sense of adventure for the two young heroes. (8/10)
Family: Good film for the family with plenty of adventure aspects to keep everyone interested. (7/10)
Fantasy: Good fantasy word created to add more to the story. (7/10)
Special Effects: Generally good special effects with the larger animal creations but the final scene come off a little dated. (7/10)
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Settings: Great underground world created and with it all falling apart really adds to the story. (9/10)
Suggestion: This is one to try with the family, it has everything for everyone so give it a go. (Try It)
Best Part: The giant mole is good
Worst Part: It doesn’t follow the book to well.
Action Scene Of The Film: Giant mole chase.
Kill Of The Film: Mayor
Oscar Chances: No
Chances of Sequel: Due to poor Box Office it is unlikely
Tagline: Escape is the Only Option
Overall: Enjoy The Adventure
Rating