City of Ember
Seen it?2008 | 95 min | Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Solid across the board without standing out anywhere. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for fantasy fans, adventure fans and families. If you loved The Dark Crystal, start here.
- The mood
- Feel-good, mind-bending.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
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. Now, two teenagers, in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, before the the lights go out forever.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
53% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$55 million worldwide on a $55 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 196K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Chaos Walking
Weeknight WatchAnother dystopian fantasy film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Tomorrowland Weeknight WatchAnother post-apocalyptic adventure, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Indian in the Cupboard Sunday Safe BetAnother adventure, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Dark Crystal
Saturday SpecialAnother adventure, and a Saturday Special.
The Legend of Ochi Sunday Safe BetAnother family film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Gil Kenan
- Saoirse RonanLina Mayfleet
- Harry TreadawayDoon Harrow
- Bill MurrayMayor Cole
- David RyallChief Builder
- Tim RobbinsLoris Harrow
- Mackenzie CrookLooper
- Marianne Jean-BaptisteClary
- Mary Kay PlaceMrs. Murdo
- Toby JonesBarton Snode
- Lucinda DryzekLizzie Bisco