This modest science fiction film will probably go overlooked in theatres. That would be unfortunate, since the film has an intriguing concept about a post-apocalyptic underground city whose time is running out. “City of Ember” is fascinatingly realized by its director Gil Kenan, who portrays a crumbling world. Kenan proves - as he did in “Monster House” - capable of dealing with adult themes and delivering social commentary while making a film that appeals to children. A difficult movie to market, since it is at times an adult story masquerading as a children’s film, “City of Ember” deserves the movie-going public’s attention.
What happened to the world goes unexplained. A group of scientists created a city underground to house survivors for generations, until the threat has passed. A sealed box goes down with the original mayor of Ember, with materials inside explaining how to find the exits from the city once the 200 year time limit has expired. The box is lost while passed down through the ages and subsequent generations forget why they are there and what is on the outside. Complacency has allowed the people to continue living life as usual while their city falls apart around them; their power source faltering. Two children, Lina and Doon, dare to question why things are happening and what is beyond the city. They uncover an ancient map which leads them to an exploration of the tunnels and hidden rooms for a way out.
The star power in the film comes courtesy of Bill Murray, Tim Robbins (“Zathura“), and Martin Landau (“The Majestic”) who portray the current mayor, an inventor, and an elder pipe worker, respectively. Murray is devilishly delightful as the rotund and morally corrupt politician. Robbins and Landau serve as role models to the children, whom the story primarily focuses on. Both young actors ably perform their roles but Ember and a sense of urgency really propel the story. Ember city is grimy and clunky but built to last. The set designers successfully convey a lived in quality to the city. The actors and director give an excitement and energy to the story. There is no time to lose in finding a solution for the dying civilization.
Social commentary and analogy are interwoven enough to entertain an adult audience. Short sighted planning may have led to this predicament. There is no source for information except from the mayor’s office directly. Leaving power in the hands of only a few led to corruption and public ignorance of the true problems. The society has begun to lose its accumulated knowledge since paper is rare. While the director raises many issues, he does not always explore them thoroughly.
The excitement of finding hidden rooms and puzzles lightens the mood in an otherwise dark place. “City of Ember” - if you miss it in theatres - is worthy of exploration by your family on DVD.
Rated PG for mild peril and some thematic elements.
