A few days ago I finally got to sit down and watch City of Ember, the 2008 fantasy film by Gil Kenan, who directed Monster House two years prior. City of Ember is one of those little films that treats its audience with a very pleasant joyride with a few bumps along the way. Though the film is essentially told like a kids fairy tale, there are some very dark themes that play well with the idea of community, friendship and above all hope.
Based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Jeanne DuPrau, City of Ember revolves around a small community of inhabitants who live underground after the supposed end of the world. This small group of inhabitants live their daily lives dependent on a giant generator that keeps the power flowing. Without it, the city will be plunged into total darkness. That generator is failing and more importantly is the mystery surrounding a strange box that has been counting down for 200 years. It is up to Lina Mayfleet (Saoirse Ronan) and Doon Harrow (Harry Treadaway), two young Emberites, to uncover the mystery.
The film essentially is an adventure film that plays to the idea of finding an escape out of the darkness and though the ending is somewhat predictable, it’s really the little things in between that make the film a lot more enjoyable. But it’s really more of a mystery than anything. Throughout the film, Lina and Doon uncover little secrets about the city and its origins. These secrets and clues clearly add up to something bigger than they could have imagined but as it usually happens, they are caught. Lina and Doon soon find themselves on the run as they are being hunted down by both Mayor Cole (Bill Murray) and other Emberites who think they are trying to sabotage the generator.
City of Ember also sets up two lovely side-stories that explore Lina and Doons parents. Though this feels somewhat tiresome after a while, it does however presents a more interesting look at their parents lives and how it differs from their own. Saoirse Ronan is great as the delightful Lina Mayfleet and Harry Treadaway as Doon Harrow is brilliant. The surprise in this film is Bill Murray as Mayor Cole, though is still great, exists more as a distraction that takes me out of the place. This might be because of his lack of involvement in the film until towards the end of the second act. Other notables mentions are Toby Jones as the Mayor’s Assistant, Martin Landau as Sul, the technician and Tim Robbins and Doon’s father.
A beautifully shot film, City of Ember has one of the most stunning production designs and art direction that I have ever seen. The sets and props have a certain steampunk element to it and production designer Martin Laing has managed to establish a look that fits in well with the overall tone of the film. Nothing feels out of place and the exterior shots of the city takes me back to Tim Burton’s Batman with that over-stylized look gloom. Though unlike Batman, City of Ember has a warmth to it that presents itself as optimistic and cheerful.
City of Ember is a delightful film and while it has a few flaws here and there, it’s certainly a film that I wish I had seen at the cinema’s. A fun-filled mystery and an adventure, this film is intriguing and it has certainly got me interested in the book.
Rating:
4/5
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