For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing... and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker.
A lot of thought and effort has been put into City of Ember but the whole is never more than the sum of its parts. It wants to be an adventure story and a fable and a mystery all at the same time and never quite decides what it is.
The story, based on Jeanne Duprau's novel of the same name, is beautifully constructed. It builds until it reaches the point that it's one edge-of-your-seat moment after another.
Built upon a bedrock of dazzling and richly constructed sets -- think Dr. Seuss meets Jules Verne meets Mad Max -- and complemented by rock-solid storytelling, it's an enormously enjoyable family film.
Toronto Star
October 10, 2008
A thrilling adventure tale and teen fantasy that is grounded in real concerns about who is managing the planet.
Though City of Ember is a bit hurried in execution, this first live-action film by director Gil Kenan has the subterranean feel of a dream being described.
Apollo Guide
January 13, 2009
In addition to being fascinating and exciting, City of Ember invites its young viewers to constantly ask questions and never give up.
BrianOrndorf.com
June 02, 2010
One of the best family films of the year...if you like your kid movies with a little more bruising than normal.
