City of Ember
Fox-Walden | Release Date: October 10, 2008
6.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 84 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
38
Mixed:
37
Negative:
9
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
JonathanSJun 5, 2009
City of Ember is a fine thrilling film.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
CityofEmberEmberJun 11, 2009
Awesome movie! I loved it! I especially like Lina Mayfleet!
0 of 1 users found this helpful
9
NickKJan 10, 2009
Haven't seen a good family movie like this since the 80's. The only problems I felt it had, is that it all happened a bit fast creating plot holes. But for what it was, and something we have not seen for a while, it was well done, Haven't seen a good family movie like this since the 80's. The only problems I felt it had, is that it all happened a bit fast creating plot holes. But for what it was, and something we have not seen for a while, it was well done, all you credits are to damn picky.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ImNoYankOct 13, 2008
Cant say that i have ever heard of the book over here in the real world(Europe) but i will say that it was a very entertaining movie Im not going to give it a 10 because it is not a showstopping blockbuster like Gladiator or A New Hope. but Cant say that i have ever heard of the book over here in the real world(Europe) but i will say that it was a very entertaining movie Im not going to give it a 10 because it is not a showstopping blockbuster like Gladiator or A New Hope. but i will content on giving this a positive 8.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ZpoczFeb 1, 2009
a visually impressive kids movie that forgoes the patronizing, condescending tone most hollywood movies aimed at children take. instead, it delivers an interesting story and it even manages to provide food for thought for kids you might hope a visually impressive kids movie that forgoes the patronizing, condescending tone most hollywood movies aimed at children take. instead, it delivers an interesting story and it even manages to provide food for thought for kids you might hope grow up to be aware of the fallacies of authority gone unchecked and unquestioned, and dangers of complacency. the story is in the form of a fable, so if you're looking for logical consistency then i'd suggest looking elsewhere (but really, if that's what you care about in a kids movie i'd suggest rethinking your priorities...) the plot is indeed a little bigger than the movie has room for, but it still succeeds, overall, in telling a compelling, entertaining story. unfortunately, this movie was a flop, but i have the feeling it'll be a cult classic in 10 years.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RobertE.Oct 10, 2008
The book is perfectly realized with a wonderful set design, tight plot, and fine acting in the character roles, especially, though the principals are strong also. The focus of the film, as it was in the book, is on the courage and ingenuity The book is perfectly realized with a wonderful set design, tight plot, and fine acting in the character roles, especially, though the principals are strong also. The focus of the film, as it was in the book, is on the courage and ingenuity of the young heroine and hero. Adults can't fail to notice the metaphoric theme of a world overused and wearing out, with most everyone in denial or taking advantage of the situation. Bill Murray as the politician grown fat on what he steals from the people while buoying up their confidence with patriotic songs and insincere piety - an almost terrifying-good performance, especially because we see our leader making his little performance on TV almost every day now - as the economy fall apart around our ears.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
7bOct 13, 2008
Great movie for pretty much any age - looking forward to reading the book to drink in even more of the details.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
DarrenOct 16, 2008
If you go to see a kids movie, then expect to be entertained, drop your expectations for a super fantastic film. Some films exceed childish expectations and give you more than you paid for, others don't. I expected the film to immerse If you go to see a kids movie, then expect to be entertained, drop your expectations for a super fantastic film. Some films exceed childish expectations and give you more than you paid for, others don't. I expected the film to immerse my childish mind into a world that I saw in the trailers. I thought the film did a great job of creating a world that was totally dependant on the light the generator was made for. It had enough suspense for an eight year old to forget the obvious plot holes and shortcomings. But most children don't look for faults, they look for peril, action and adventure. And for that goal alone, it was achieved. Were there plot holes, of course there were. Why would mankind put enough idiots in the city and hope that two kids were born to solve all the problems? How could a box that was in every mayors portrait be able to be lost and fogotten. Or that one person alone would only know what his one dial would be for and not the rest? For the good of mankind we'll have a bunch of idiots kept safe. I don't think that was the plan, but thats what they seemed to film. Overall, I enjoyed the film. I got lost in the city, and the fresh idea that mankind came up with a solution to the disaster that would come; rather than have the US come up with some plan to save the day and be all heroic.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
RichardG.Jan 21, 2009
The movie was just good. The theme is very well made & you will feel creepy but pleasure with it. Although the plot &is a little bit letdown, but still a good movie to watch. I recommend this for family movies, not for mile high club.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JenniferSNov 16, 2009
The plot has potential meaning and mostly fulfilled this. But yes, empty spots in this movie, a few, it feels like. A bit too scary for PG... I am 20 and for someone as aiming as I am, that sewer rat, that had the face of some species of sea The plot has potential meaning and mostly fulfilled this. But yes, empty spots in this movie, a few, it feels like. A bit too scary for PG... I am 20 and for someone as aiming as I am, that sewer rat, that had the face of some species of sea creature, had me closing my eyes or looking away; it made the movie much more explanatory, by far- but it would give quite a fright to even a good-hearted 8 year old. I gave this a decent, hard rating. Definitely a keeper at some point.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MovieLonely94Oct 13, 2010
when it first came out, people enjoyed watching this movie. after that, it didn't even became one of the highest grossing movies of 2008 since it got overshadowed by another movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

so, what aboutwhen it first came out, people enjoyed watching this movie. after that, it didn't even became one of the highest grossing movies of 2008 since it got overshadowed by another movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

so, what about this movie? well, it lacks on both action and adventure, but as a fan of movies based on books like Harry Potter, Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings, I say it is a good one and its sticks to the source material from the book.

Rating: 7/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
dr_zoidberg590Jul 13, 2018
Beautiful mysterious movie with great aesthetics, should have been give more budget but did amazingly anyway, loveable characters and a great puzzle to solve.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
jelenabiebs31Jan 13, 2016
Follows the book pretty well. Started off slow but it turned out to be a cute family film, worth at least a one time watch.

Watch it online for free: https://www.primewire.ag/watch-26-City-of-Ember-online-free
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
kinlochFeb 19, 2016
A great film set withing a very interesting setting with a brilliant soundtrack that really helps set the mood of the film. There are some differences from the book however the core plot line is followed and there are plenty of references inA great film set withing a very interesting setting with a brilliant soundtrack that really helps set the mood of the film. There are some differences from the book however the core plot line is followed and there are plenty of references in the film that readers of the book will get. The film does rush some parts and I feel that it would have benefited with a longer run time with more development of the characters and location. The film does contain what appears to be some plot holes however most of these can be explained away. It is a shame that it is unlikely there will be a sequel.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
MagMachinaApr 19, 2020
A very enjoyable movie that you can blame for one thing: it is too short! Another hour of runtime with more character and story development and this would have been a hit in the Fantasy genre
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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