Review of City of Ember (2008) by Terra W — 23 Aug 2009
This movie was a joy to see - and on my list of Goonies-ish movies for fun, heart and entertainment. It falls short near the end, I must agree with most critics, and it also lacks a 'childhood was fun and innocent' feel... so imagine Goonies w/o the first 15 minutes and without the last 15, and with a touch of modern graphics/action and you've got it. I have a feeling the books are better, but I was really expecting less and ended up watching it twice in a row (DVR'd off HBO). I'll buy it, eventually, no hurry.
The biggest joys: loved the kid actors, thought they did great; love the book's ideas and, ultimately, the fx & direction of a very unique place - I was transported into that world and really enjoyed it; upon a second viewing things that were said played into visuals missed/revealed at the end - but kids might have caught them anyhow.
The biggest bummers: childhood isn't fun; bill murray is bill murray, wish they'd hired less of a name so it didn't distract me (although I wasn't distracted by Tim Robbins...); it just kinda ends - and ultimately the goal/end isn't surprising or special - but with your own imagination you can fill in the gaps (else, likely read the book).
This review of City of Ember (2008) was written by Terra W on 23 Aug 2009.
City of Ember has generally received mixed reviews.
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