the Mind’s Chew Toy

Synopsis:

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, and help the citizens escape before the lights go out forever. Based on the novel by Jeanne Duprau.

Our Thoughts:

Another popular kids novel is making the transition to the big screen as City Of Ember hits theaters this October.

The giant underground city of lights looks impressive, and the preview gives off that whole National Treasure (2004) vibe set to a time limit. Toss in Bill Murray and Tim Robbins - usually a joy to watch - and City of Ember looks to have a lot going for it.

But…I’m still hesitant about this one. After all, I remember another children’s book to hit the big screen lately that not everyone had heard about. That film was called The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising (2007) - and it was horrendously bad.

Still, Walden Media has shown it can do right by children’s books with The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005) (although the sequel, The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) was a little disappointing).

So, will city of Ember be the next Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter, or is it going to be as disappointing as The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising (2007)?

If they kiddied the movie up a lot, chances are it’s going to be more like The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising (2007). I can’t tell from the preview, so chances are I’m going to postpone seeing this one until it hits DVD.