Based on Jeanna Duprau’s young adult novel, City Of Ember is a
science fiction/fantasy tale of a subterranean city that was built for the
survivors of an untold apocalypse that ravaged the surface of the earth. Ember
is significant--for as its name implies, it’s the last burning ember of human
civilization, the very last hope of humankind itself. The original builders of
Ember decide to give the city 200 years--at which time a special sealed box,
containing vital information, will automatically open. But even the best laid
plans go awry, and the original builders also didn’t consider the destructive
effect of human greed, especially in the form of the present day mayor, who’s
very well played by Bill Murray as a slovenly, lazy tyrant.
Despite the fact that, after 200 years, the city of Ember is slowly crumbling
around him, with ever frequent blackouts and a dwindling food supply, the Mayor
is quite content to leave the situation stand as it is--with himself firmly in
power. But Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, a pair of teenagers who prepare to
assume their proper place in Ember society--by taking jobs that are randomly
assigned to them by the city government--soon take it upon themselves to meet
the vast challenge that the city faces. Directed by Gil Kenan, who last wowed us
with the CGI-animated feature Monster House, City Of Ember is a well-done
children’s film that wisely doesn’t pander to popular culture--something which
will ensure that this movie will enjoy a long life as an enjoyable timeless
fantasy entertainment.
Instead, Kenan’s film delves deep into its peculiar little world, thanks to an inspired production design that portrays a lived-in, yet disintegrating society that’s on its last legs. Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) and Harry Treadway are very good as Lina and Doon; they play a pair of extremely sympathetic characters without resorting to cloyingly sweet behavior--and nor are they snarky little brats. In fact, the innocence they portray is not only refreshing, but it actually makes sense in the context of the story. The only misstep the film takes is the fact that it basically gives away the entire mystery within the first few minutes--which denies us a truly revelatory moment at the end, such as the shocking ending of the original Planet Of The Apes.
Another problem I have with City Of Ember is the DVD itself, which lacks any
special features whatsoever. Why is it the films you really would like to see
behind the scenes footage on are the ones that never have them? The only special
feature--if you could call it that--is that the DVD is a flipper, which offers
the viewer a choice of watching the film in either widescreen, or full frame (I
reviewed the widescreen version). Still, despite these quibbles, the film itself
is well worth seeing. With a great cast, solid script and good direction, City
Of Ember works very well as a rousing adventure for the entire family to enjoy.
--SF
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