City Of Ember (6/10)

Based on the 2003 bestselling novel “The City Of Ember” by author Jeanne Duprau, the movie came with a dark setting with credits to Caroline Thompson who adapted the screenplay.

The movie showed why the novel is a bestseller but failed to do it any justice. Right from the start, the story progression was like a sprinter racing to get to the finishing line.

Director Gil Kenan, whose only other credit is the animated movie “Monster House” two years ago, made a rather weak transition from animation to live-action feature movie. Kenan failed to capture the emotions of his characters and the drama of the story as he tried to fit everything else in.

There were also many issues not addressed that may not sit well with the audience. For instance, the various conceptual flaws of a city underground for so long and how it survived without everyday necessities. Who produces toiletries and stationery? What about sewage and hospitals?

But even more so, how did the people of Ember become so naive and incurious? Why is everyone taking things so easily when their very existence is in the brink of extinction? There should have been a coup.

And what about those rodents and insects introduced into the story, how did they evolve into gigantic creatures? These issues should have been addressed to give the story more depth.

Fortunately for the movie, it was able to attract a great cast to play some colourful characters. Oscar-nominated Ronan is expressive and a dear to watch; Treadaway although was not as effective but played his part well enough. The supporting cast from the veterans like Bill Murray, Martin Landau and Tim Robbins provided the funny and the suspense.

Whether it’s the studio’s jurisdiction to keep the running time short or the lack of experience from the director that failed the storytelling, it was still a valiant effort from both parties. The background music also was a big help in setting the tone throughout each individual scene.

And Kenan’s vision for the city of Ember came through with very detailed imaginations. From the narrow and dank streets to the inside of Lina Mayfleet’s apartment, Kenan successfully brought them to life.

It is quite clear that “The City Of Ember” is a very interesting and exciting fantasy-adventure story, but it is just unfortunate that the movie rushed through all that.