City of Ember
MovieHook Rating... B
City of Ember only made eight million at the box office, but don't let that fool you, Ember has more to offer than just a rare appearance from a now aging Bill Murray. It has a fascinating story about a city that was built underground after tragedy hit in the world we know, but this is no ordinary city. A generator powers the entire cities energy supply, and was built by a group rightly called The Builders, hundreds of years ago. But this city was not meant to last forever, as a timer locked silver case was left with the mayor of the city, and was to be passed down from mayor to mayor until it was ready to be opened to reveal a plan for the future population. This was until the seventh mayor died unexpectedly, and the case of secrets was lost.
City of Ember follows two children by the names of a Doon (Harry Treadaway) and Lina (Saoirse Ronan). Doon is a boy who wants to rescue a failing city by putting it on his shoulders alone, but doesn't know if he will ever get his chance to help. While Lina is just a young girl taking care of her little sister looking for some meaning in her life.
It is an important day in their lives, this is the day they are given the jobs they will work for the rest of their lives. Doon is looking to work near the generator, which is he is convinced he can fix. Lina on the other hand just wants a job she will enjoy. Doon draws the messenger which is not to his liking, and Lina draws the pipe worker which isn't an easy job for a female. Doon approaches Lina for a trade after the ceremony, and when she accepts they are both satisfied with their new occupations.
Their satisfaction is not long-lasting as the city begins to have more elongated blackouts. The residents of the city seem to be nervous about the blackouts along with the daily decline of the food. Everyone of course except the current mayor (Bill Murray) who seems to be carefree, and rapidly gaining weight. But when Lina finds the famous forgotten case in her grandmother's house, her priorities change. It contains a message left from the builders that she believes may help to save the city. With the Doon at her side, Lina goes on a quest to make sense of the message in the case, while trying to keep it's contents secret from people she may not be able to trust. But as Lina continues her search around the city, she finds the answers she has been longing for may have been right in front of her the entire time.
Ember is definitely not an ideal movie made for success, but that is what makes it a better film. The story reaches every ounce of it's potential, and I wouldn't change anything about the way it was put together. It is definitely a sleeper that will hopefully be resurrected when it hits the video store.
Ronan who has already been nominated for an Oscar, once again shows signs of future success. She is like a younger version of Cate Blanchett, who I'm sure she wouldn't mind being compared to. Murray is as silly as he is evil, but even in a serious movie, he finds the comedy. My favorite part of this movie was it's pulse, it's heart, or otherwise known as the score arranged by Andrew Lockington. It kept you intrigued and played into the suspense of each scene very nicely. With Tim Robbins as Doon's father, and a number of other recognizable faces this movie deserves way more acclaim than it recieved, and I advise you to see it if you ever get the chance. Oh, and of course if that is not enough for you, take a glance at the credits, one of the producers may surprise you.
Rent it for the grown ups or rent it for the kids, it doesn't make a difference...
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