A Review of the Movie, City of Ember -- In a word: "What?"
City of Ember is the most pointless movie about a dystopian world of complacent workers OF ALL TIME. Even similar films based on novels like, Brave New World, 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 had a point. Each attempted to say something about society, our place in it, and the level of government control over us. City is simply a kids' sneak-peak into the world of insignificance and disappointment that inevitably awaits them. (Poor Poppy.)
The plot of this young adult film adaption is holier than a used target at a special-ops marine shooting range. How did the story begin? What happens to the characters throughout the story? How does the story end? After watching all 95 minutes of City, I still had absolutely no conclusive evidence as to what actually happened during that time. At first, I thought that "The Builders" would explain their dire situation, but they didn't. Then I hoped that the film's supporting actors, like Bill Murray and Tim Robins, would revealed the film's mysteries as the plot progressed; but no. Confident that all my questions would be resolved in the final scene, I waited, I extrapolated and I surmised, but I was, however, left in eternal bewilderment.
So many questions surrounding the city are left unanswered. Where did the builders go? Where did all these awful mutant moths, beetles and moles come from? Why is it forbidden to venture to the outskirts of the city, and who is the guy who suddenly shows up there? Though the city is reportedly suffering a food shortage and a huge lack of funds, the people never seem all the concerned; are they brainwashed, or are they actually just that stupid? And why on earth were the "babies required to be transported in baskets?" You get the feeling that Jeanne Duprau's book got into this stuff, while the movie never seems to have the time.
p.s. I did some thorough research into the question mentioned in the blog title above, without satisfaction. When asked, Tim Robbins nor Tom Hanks had any idea what purpose the giant beetle's stag played in the film.
I didn't know this had been made into a movie. I read the trilogy and enjoyed them. Maybe you should give them a spin... if the beetle mystery gets to weighing on your brain.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we were left with so many unanwered questions, it was still a great time! And we will forever have the attacker face of Tim Robbins and the wonderful lines of Bill Murray in our memories. Thanks for inviting me to come watch it with you.
ReplyDeleteWell, thanks for watching it so I don't have to!
ReplyDeleteTrue.......................................................................(this should take about 5 seconds to scan).....bag.
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