That would have been especially uncomfortable (not to mention, statutory) because despite playing peers, Ronan and Treadaway are separated by ten apparent years.Īlthough DuPrau's book was popular enough to spawn three sequels, you can bet we won't be seeing them adapted anytime soon.
The tone stands in contrast to director Gil Kenan's debut feature, the spirited CG-animated Monster House. It's not nearly enough to get young viewers interested in the bleak proceedings or a pivotal generator. There's a faint suggestion of some in Lina's quiet, pet-like little sister Poppy (played by twins Amy and Catherine Quinn), and Murray gets one on-target joke. (Robbins does get to provide opening and closing narration.) Leads Ronan and Treadaway impressively provide no hints of the European accents they shed (Irish and English, respectively), but they're never given a chance to be more than mere pawns uncovering a cold, dark quasi-conspiracy.Ĭontrived cutesiness brings down many a family film, but Ember could really use some humor. Accomplished award winners Murray, Landau, and Tim Robbins have little to do in their minimal screentime. That's a major misstep since the cast is one of the movie's greatest sources of appeal. Unfortunately, none of those are answered, nor are some that the film explicitly puts into play.Īlthough there are no problems with the acting, the plot largely overshadows characters. The setting raised a number of questions for me as I watched the film. The grimy, densely-populated slum strikes more of a chord than anything else here. The production deserves credit for creating it practically wherever possible. The best thing about the film is its unique, striking locale. Ultimately, Lina and Doon realize they're on a mission to find an exit from their sheltered world, something strictly forbidden by the governing powers.Ĭity never really takes off from its relaxed, competent setup.
Suspicious characters abound, as do curiosities which include monsters and a mysterious box with tattered directions inside. The film proceeds as a mystery, one that takes a while to come into focus for viewers and protagonists alike. That renders Lina an enthusiastic messenger and puts Doon in pipeworks with aged, sleepy supervisor Sul (Martin Landau). These two conscientious young people swap the careers they're randomly assigned in a ceremony officiated by Ember's mayor (Bill Murray). Rumblings of impending trouble are quietly passed among the people.ĭuring this, our attentions are directed most to Lina Mayfleet ( Atonement Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan) and Doon Harrow (Harry Treadaway). Blackouts are occurring more frequently,įor longer stretches, and with accompanying earthquakes. The subterranean land has endured at least two centuries, but problems are arising. It shows us that, following an apocalypse, humanity has moved underground to one rusty, industrial place. Murdo), Toby Jones (Barton Snode), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Clary), Mackenzie Crook (Looper), Tim Robbins (Loris Harrow), Lucinda Dryzek (Lizzie Bisco), Amy Quinn, Catherine Quinn (Poppy), Liz Smith (Granny), Simon Kunz (Captain Fleery)Ĭity of Ember is based on Jeanne DuPrau's 2003 novel of the same name. Theatrical Release: Octo/ Running Time: 95 Minutes / Rating: PGĭirector: Gil Kenan / Writers: Caroline Thompson (screenplay), Jeanne DuPrau (book)Ĭast: Saoirse Ronan (Lina Mayfleet), Harry Treadaway (Doon Harrow), Bill Murray (Mayor Cole), Martin Landau (Sul), Mary Kay Place (Mrs.
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