The Apocalypse has been adapted for the younger set in the film version of Jeanne Duprau's novel, City of Ember, a movie with a look that is a cross between something from the minds of Terry Gilliam and Tim Burton. That is the impression I got of this city lit by an extensive series of light bulbs and seemingly built on all manner of contraptions and gizmos. I am also reminded a bit of the steam punk look of The Golden Compass.
Unfortunately, this is a film that simply collapses under the weight of its possibilities. On the surface, it is an interesting tale of hope in a land of increasing depression and fear, but if you dig into it and try to make sense of it all you will be left scratching your head while wondering what the filmmakers were thinking.
The movie has a strong opening where we learn that the planet is not doing too well. In an effort to save humanity a city is built deep beneath the Earth's surface. The city has also been given an expiration date, on which people will be able to return to the surface and rejoin humanity, or whatever may be left. Instructions for an exit are sealed within a box that is entrusted to the city's first mayor, to be handed down from mayor to mayor until the big digital readout reaches zero and the box opens.
The opening sequence shows the brief discussion of the box as it is being given to the mayor, and the subsequent passing of the box from one mayor to the next. All goes well until something tragic happens and the box is lost and forgotten, ticking down to the end with no one paying attention.
The tale is picked up once the countdown reaches zero. Its opening coincides with ominous signs that the city is in trouble. Power outages are beginning to occur with increased frequency and duration, frightening the populace. Among the people, there are two youngsters who seem to have a better idea of the dangers that lie ahead. They also happen to be the only two with a desire to find out what is going on, try to stop whatever it is, and find a way to save everyone.
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