OK for kids 8+
Fast-paced fantasy has lots of tense moments.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this fantasy based on the popular middle-grade novel of the same name doesn't have much to worry about in the way of sexual content, language, drinking, or strong violence. But its constant tension and often-dark mood -- it's about a decaying underground city founded to make sure humanity survived the end of the world -- make it too intense for the youngest viewers. The teenage main characters face challenges ranging from corrupt officials to a ravenous giant mole; they navigate these problems with persistence and resourcefulness.
- Families can talk about why so many of the grown-ups in Ember were afraid or unwilling to accept what was happening to the city. Why were Lina and Doon different? Do you think that's a realistic reflection of the differences between adults and kids? Assuming the city's resources hadn't started failing, do you think Ember could have survived indefinitely? Is it possible to set up an ordered society? Families who've read the book can also discuss how the movie is similar and different. Which do you like better? Why?
The good stuff
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Messages: The young protagonists are resourceful, determined, curious, and independent -- which presents a stark contrast to the blithe denial or fearful acceptance of most of the grown-ups. Some adult characters are selfish and corrupt. Lina is a strong female character, but there's not too much diversity in Ember.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Several tense scenes involving a ravenous giant mole, which pursues the main characters very aggressively and is quite creepy and scary. It's implied that one supporting character dies violently (not shown); another, the only guardian of two children, passes away peacefully. Some chase scenes and brief scuffles between characters. The main characters are frequently in danger. A ride down a powerful river has lots of perilous moments.
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: One use of "sexy."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
EXCITING, MUST-SEE MOVIE FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE! by gottaluvmovies
My son has read the entire series of City of Ember books and he was dying to see this movie. I took him for that reason, although was not expexctiing to enjoy the movie myself. I was definitely in for a welcome surprise! Although a little hard to follow at first, the movie was exciting and had a great story line. Awesome special effects, wonderful cast of characters, well written script. According to my son, there were definite differences between the book and the movie, however not very many and personally, from the differences he explained to me, the differences in the movie sounded far more exciting than what was written in the book. Will buy City of Ember when it comes out on DVD.
5
city of Ember by bigmama64
I really enjoyed the movie. I found it to be a clean non violent movie I could take my grand childeren to see. and I really enjoyed that there was NO foul language. and full of adventuer.
1
Weak by connie4vikings
Read the book! Don't bother with the movie. If I were Jeanne DuPrau, I'd be insulted. If I were Caroline Thompson, I'd be embarrassed. She completely missed the themes, symbolism, and highlights of the novel. My friend had not read the book and said it was "so-so." The group of 30 adults and kids who did read the book, 100% disappointment. The changes they made were unnecessary and didn't even make sense. I was hoping for better.
4
Take the kids by nylibrn
great sci fi for pre teens and teens. Might turn them on to te wonderful book that is the first in a series.
4
Loved City of Ember by pallard
My 4 year old daughter was glued to the screen. I enjoyed the leason that you can do anything as long as you try and continue to persue your dreams. I think my daughter liked the action and the fact that the kids were heros. I know later on in life she will understand what the real leason was.
4
Made me wonder about the 'so-so' reviews by bayareapilot
While I haven't read the book I can tell you that I was very pleasantly surprised about how pleased I was with this movie. I also don't understand some of the mixed reviews from the professional critics as well. I like the concept and look of this film. It was time well-spent at a theater!
5
If you read the book,you'll love the movie! by mimitchi33
I loved this movie. It had many similarites to the book and some differences!
If you read the book City Of Ember,you'll love this movie!
5
Great Family Movie by Bort73
I enjoyed this movie very much. It was interesting and well acted. A bit predictable but the journey there was good enough.
5
City of Ember - Enchanting by halls83
The City of Ember was an enchanting tale of a world forgotten. We are in our 40's and thoroughly enjoyed the show's story line. This movie is perfect for preteens or early-teen viewers.
4
Not half-bad!! by tplwk
My wife made a valid observation - this movie had a bit of a slow start. The characters' development time was something she was unprepared for, unused to.
That said, once it started it just kept going. I was pleased with the story line, the degree of naughty in the villains (not too much for the lilluns), and the puzzles through which our young heroes navigated.
If I had any moment of letdown, it was the predictable waterslide scene. Such devices are meant to dazzle and excite, but I am afraid I have ridden such rides once too often myself.
Overall, "City of Ember" is a good ride. Good acting, good sets, good story. Lots of potential for follow-up, too!!
(hint hint!)