A secret underground city, set up by scientists who fear the worst for humanity. City of Ember charts the darkest days of this settlement, as the internal mechanisms begin to age. Residents have no knowledge of the outside world, as hundreds of years pass by. A thoroughly entertaining trip just like the Goonies in that it manages to cross age boundaries and will appeal to everyone. Bill Murray and Tim Robbins may be the most identifiable cast members, but the two lead youngsters perform admirably. The backdrop harbours echos of Brazil, Dark City and Twelve Monkeys, Gil Kenan is a promising talent but it would have been interesting to see what Terry Gilliam could have done here.
A dirty underworld in which a tightly controlled populace is not allowed out and so elements of resistance break out. Probably second only to cops and robbers with car chase in terms of remakes. To be interesting to anyone over 16 this is not different enough. I imagine from the cover though that this is aimed at the 6 - 10 year old audience.