City of Ember (2008) movie poster

City of Ember (2008)

"Escape is the only option"
ThumbScore
๐Ÿ‘ 47%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
๐ŸŽฌ 56% (RT: 53%, MC: 58) โ„น๏ธRT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
AdventureFamilyFantasy

Where to Watch

Rent / Buy
Apple TV
See all watch options on JustWatch
Director
Runtime
1h 35m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
TMDB Rating
6.3/10 (1,861 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
53%
Metacritic
58
Cast
Saoirse Ronan as Lina Mayfleet
Harry Treadaway as Doon Harrow
Bill Murray as Mayor Cole
David Ryall as Chief Builder
Tim Robbins as Loris Harrow
Mackenzie Crook as Looper
Mary Kay Place as Mrs. Murdo
Audiences say no. Just 47% of audiences liked it based on 1,861 votes. Critics agree, scoring it 56%.
Overview
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. Wikipedia โ†—
Fun Facts
  • Gil Kenan cited several classic adventure films as the primary inspiration for the visual style.
  • Many of the background extras were actually locals from the filming locations.
  • The iconic poster for City of Ember was designed at the very last minute before marketing began.
Audience Consensus

City of Ember is a 2008 adventure, family, fantasy film directed by Gil Kenan. 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. The film has been rated by 1,861 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers. As a adventure film, City of Ember delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling.

The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences. City of Ember (2008) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape. The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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What Reddit Thinks

r/movies
⬆ 88💬 48 comments
I just saw the City of Ember link and that reminded me that the film Stardust is a great fantasy film that was largely overlooked.
It's not like City of Ember other than it's an adventure tale, but I really like the movie. Robert De Niro plays an airship captain who is a very... Read on Reddit →
Top comment: "I liked it. And it proved Michelle Pfiefer is still hot, even at the age of 400, or however old..."
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