Dec-Ember

With Twilight being released tomorrow and thousands of screaming fans buying every pre-sale ticket in sight, there’s another worthy film which has slipped under the radar. City of Ember is from the Oscar nominated director behind Monster House, Gil Kenan, and is adapted from the popular novel (of the same name) written by Jeanne Duprau. I had the opportunity to catch this film at the premiere tonight and let me tell you, it’s definitely worth battling the Christmas holiday crowds to see. Starring Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Saoirse Ronan, Toby Jones and Harry Treadway it’s about the people of the city of Ember who for generations have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights - underground. Built as a refuge for humanity and powered by a massive powerful generator, the city was only designed to last 200 years and now the power is failing. Two curious teenagers (why is it always two curious teenagers? Why?) start following the clues left to them by the builders of the artificial city in a hope of discovery a way to the surface. This film did okay in the US scrapping in above $7 million and got pretty positive reviews from the critics that count. My favourite Aussie critics Margaret and David both gave it three and a half stars each. And that’s what it deserves. It’s good and far above your average adventure flick targeted at adolescents. The concept is quite dark given the end of humanity and all, plus there a super scary monster creature which would cancel out a pre-tween audience. So, not really sure what the target market is here but if you’re looking for something a bit left of centre and minus the sexual tension and/or frustration of Twilight then City of Ember is calling. Stay posted for my musings on said vampire flick tomorrow.