Last night we watched the movie City of Ember. I had recorded it on our Tivo a few weeks ago from HBO and finally got a chance to watch it.
Its a decent Sci Fi movie, good for a young adult audience as well as adults. There were a few things I could pick apart, like the almost cartoonish handling of some of the characters such as the Mayor (played by Bill Murray) and Mrs. Murdo. I think Mrs. Murdo, whose vacant smile and assertions that if they just keep practicing for the Day of Singing everything will be alright, is supposed to represent the complacency and head in the sand attitude that the kids have to fight against.
Basically the plot has to do with humanity living in a vast underground city, which was build by "The Builders" after Earth becomes inhabitable. They give a box to the Mayo rof the City that will open in 200 years. It contains instructions for leaving the city and venturing forth above ground.
But the box is misplaced in the back of a closet and when it finally opens no-one is there to know except teenaged Lina. A great adventure ensues, complete with corrupt officials, steampunk inspired technology, and intrepid teenagers who save the day. Tip off: you can tell who the baddies are because ina city with food carefully rationed they are the only ones who look like they need some best fat burner. This is because they are stealing and hoarding food.
The movie is based off a YA novel by the same name by Jeanne DuPrau.
