City of Ember Movie Trailer

Posted on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 by Peter Sciretta

City of Ember

The latest fantasy novel adaption from Fox Walden is City of Ember. Based on the 2003 novel by Jeanne Duprau, Ember follows two kids, Lina and Doon, who live in the City of Ember, where the sky is always dark. As Ember’s power source begins to fail and the lamps start to flicker, they search for clues that will unlock ancient mysteries about the city and save the people of Ember. The film stars Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Saoirse Ronan, Harry Treadaway, Toby Jones, Martin Landau, Mackenzie Crook, Mary Kay Place, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

I’ve been waiting for a really long time for a good children’s fantasy film like the stuff from my childhood (Henson’s Labyrinth anyone?). My theory is that most of the recent films, Narnia and the recent Potter films included, have forgotten the ingredient that makes these type of stories worth watching - that being the fun. But the whole point of being in a fantasy world is to enjoy some of it’s magic and wonder. And while story is very important, too much story can lead to too few of these fun and wondrous moments I’m talking about. And while this teaser trailer is only a minute and a half in length, not nearly enough to give a full indication of the film, I can see that the almost steam-punkish production design could easily lend itself to the fun and wonder that I was previously referring to. But tell me what you think in the comments after watching the trailer below.

City of Ember hits theaters on October 10th 2008.

Discuss: What do you think of the City of Ember movie trailer?

Comments

Frank

I know what you mean. It's so rare to find a compelling movie centered around children that doesn't belittle their (and my) intelligence. Harry Potter started that way, but it's they're concentrating more on completing the story in the alloted time instead of languashing (in a good way) in the thickness of the world, the way The Neverending Story or Labyrinth did. I'll definitely be seeing this if the reviews match my anticipation from the trailer.

Rolin

That looks friggen Awsome

conservativeinthecity

It's so refreshing to see an original story, rather than a movie based on classic (or highly popular) books. It's these kinds of movies that make me love reading books, and watching movies. An original story/world/setting/plot and an EXCEPTIONALLY well done trailer. I can't wait to go see it!

b-nasty

looks legit. bill murray, need i say more?

The Jezzus

Looks kind of cool.

The Dude

meh.

dopiestghost

Bill Murray automatically makes the choice to go see this a no brainer. The man would never do this movie unless he believed in the script and the filmmakers. Plus the teaser is fantastic.

Floppy

@ Peter

Nice throwback on The Labyrinth. The Thin White Duke was/is always entertaining. This movie looks entertaining as well.

giantman

This was totally not on my radar and now it is totally on my radar. Tim Robbins, Bill Murray oh yeah. And the concept looks very interesting.

Dac

Looks very much the same (visually) to Bioshock...But that isnt a bad thing :p

A. J.

Big fan of Bill Murray, this is a must see.

Chris

As someone who read the book this is based on (A while ago, although), I know the story has promise. I dislike the idea to come out and say that the city was built to hide mankind in the teaser, but I dont remember if it was actually a surprise in the books, so whatever. Bill Murray is my favorite actor, so this is automatic for me. I'm a fan of Tim Robbins too, so more good news, huh?

kPong

Also marks this on self radar.

Its not mentioned but this is directed by Gil Kenan (Monster House) who seems like an interesting choice. His lone previous feature was actually a very fun movie working well to not look too down on it's prepubescent audience. And it's late 20's audience too . Scribe is the very excellent Caroline Thompson of Edward Scissorhands and Nightmare Before Christmas fan (among others). Coupled with Murray and Robbins despite what critics "say" im going to see this one anyways.

October seems suddenly so far away.

Dan the Man

I've never even heard of this book. But the movie looks really cool. I love the idea of it. Makes me even more excited about the Bioshock movie going into production.

duca

Neat-o! This movie is deffiantely on my To Be Watched list. I hope it turns out as good as it looks.

sari

I did NOT like the music in that trailer.

Also, when I think of a fantasy I think Harry Potter, wizards, magic, Stardust. This movie is more like science fiction...and seems like a kid version of "Sunshine."

Webb

Woah. That is one of the best trailers I've seen in a long time.

Looks pretty heavily influenced by City of Lost Children which can only be a good thing.

Josh

Looks pretty - great production design and I definitely enjoy that Wes Anderson trailer font.

andrewB

looks like a bang up job. can't wait to see it.

Eric

Bill and Tim are the real reason I'm attracted to this. I can't wait

oopsi8abug

Ooooh, cool. A little bit excited about this now.

John

It kinda looks like how a kiddy bio shock movie would look like the style and the palce.

Matt

@ John

I thought exactly that when I saw the "For the Good of Mankind" banner.

Chimaera

Peter, you mean The Last Mimzy didn't do it for you? lol.

I'm with Dan. I've never even heard of this book but the trailer looks awesome and definitely sparked my interest. Someone tell those Twilight teaser fanatics that this is how you promote not only a movie but the inspiration behind it. This is one is going on my must see. I love movies where you have to piece together the puzzle!

Captain Awesome

This looks good and I know what you mean about pandering to kids in an insulting manner.

Peter, I assume you're looking forward to Beverly Hills Chihuahua? ;)

Aaron

Never read the book, but by looking at the trailer it seems like Bill Murray is miscast...I can't see him doing a serious film like this one seems to be.

Troy

I want to see some more.....

Coach

I have read this book a couple of times in the past and it's very good. I'm glad to see that, at least in the trailer, the excitement from the story is captured. I hope that they didn't take "Bridge to Teribethia" liberties with the book however. I don't remember a "monster" in the novel. I am looking forward to this movie however.

Jacobi

I've read the book and it was very well-written and intriguing, unlike most young-adult novels. The movie looks like it captures the feel of the book and the premise in a great way.

Sauce

@ Kpong: Same director at Monster House? Really now...I thought that while Moster House didn't have the most amazing story...The direction was through the roof good. The style that it had was amazing...So that is now my primary reason to see it, Second is Murray, and third...If just looks good.

Second the Bioshock comparison...Only, less wanna be utopia. But, I get where you're coming from.

A.J.

looks good, could be fun

TC

seriously, how much does that young blonde actress look like chloe sevigny?

SR

totally agree with sari on this. this isn't fantasy, but more sci-fi. That's not to say it wont be good, as the story seems quite interesting. From the trailers pitch i wouldn't of compared it to HP or Narnia. They deal with magic and mythical creatures, whereas this seems to deal with a city that's been built underground probably due to some eco disaster on the surface. The only thing that is similar is it's a kid film. None the less lets hope it's a good one as a quick google search shows that there is actually 3 books written about this, and a fourth that could be out August this year. Lets hope they don't stuff it up like HP.

Meli

The trailer has me interested. I know the kiddo will definitely
put it on her list of must see. Bill Murray felt a little out of
place for me in the trailer, but I think he's a good actor, so
it could have just been the surprise of seeing of him in a sci-fi
setting.

fanboy d

while that does look like the best kids' genre flick since the eighties...it doesn't remind me of the babe.

...the babe with the power? the power of voodoo?!

Katie

It's based on an excellent children's book. I'd highly recommend reading it before the movie comes out. It was followed by it's sequel the City of Sparks and it's prequel the Prophet on Yonwood. Not original because it's based on the book, but it's an excellent series thus far and i can't wait to see it. I plan on reading it to my children when they're old enough to understand it.

Katie

Oops, that was the People of Sparks, not the city of.

hb

Okay, jsyk, the City of Ember is one of my favorite boooks ever, so when I was in the movie theater, I was so excited after the first five seconds of the trailor. I just KNEW it was Ember. I have never, ever been this excited about a movie. Although, I'm afraid if my expectations for this movie are that it will be as good as the book, I might be a little disappointed :( .But I'm VERY excited for Ember to come out.

janice

I am so thrilled that they are making this movie. I randomly found the book in my local library and found it to be amazing. When i found out that they were turning it into a movie I was over joyed.
Im sure people will find this movie to be great for their children and they will enjoy it themselves.

Emma

The book this is based on is awesome, but I think it was a huge mistake to reveal that the city is underground in the trailer. In the book, they don't figure it out until the last pages, and it's a huge twist. The trailer looks really good, but I think the film would be much better if the underground thing was kept secret. I'm still excited for it, though.

hb

In response to Emma, I think that it would be too confusing to not explain to people who are watching that Ember is underground.

Ryo

I don't know anything about this story beyond what I just viewed in the teaser...but I have to say...I like the look of the old-school light-bulbs and the color they provide, but it seems more likely that an underground city would utilize more energy efficient options like LEDs.

I thought the trailer music was too dramatic.

hb

well this is like in the future when everyone is running out of everything, the world is going to be destroyed, there are all these awful wars going on..so they were not very concerned about energy efficient lightbulbs. also i think it was way more dramatic to use the cliche old-lady-in-the-attic lightbulbs. and jeanne duprau used regular lightbulbs in the story.

tommydee

Can't see Bill in a serious movie? What, like Lost in Translation or The Life Aquatic?

They went underground in the 50's, that's why no LEDs

I read the book before I did this movie (cast) and I can't find it now but I think the builders start the book off with their plans though they don't mention the underground part. Book lovers?

I would put it in the fantasy genre. There's nothing about the science that's fictional - even for the 50s.

hb

Well, it's science fiction in the sense of "other worlds" as opposed to "ahh! omg! aliens are eating my face off right now!" The prologue to The City of Ember is the Builders talking about the city, but there isn't very much information (just enough so the reader isn't so confused). (In the books) you don't really learn about Ember untill Lina and Doon find the diary and the ending of The Prophet of Yonwood. And it's more of realistic science fiction because the whole concept of Ember has happened before (not so extreme, but still) and could easily work on dying societies. Also, I don't think that Ember went underground in the 50's. I thought it was more of "now" when it happened.

Blair Landon

The City Of Ember trailer looks really good. I love how the scenery in the trailer looks very dark and ominous like the books. Although it does have similarities to other movies that have come out I think City Of Ember has a combination of factors that will put it over the top. Such as an amazing cast from Tim Robbins to Bill Murray, Tom Hanks and Walden Media produced the film and Caroline Thompson adapted the screenplay!
I cannot wait for October 10th!

My name is Blair and I am an official ambassador for City of Ember and I have access to first-look pics of the movie not seen in the trailer, which I would be more than happy to share with you. I would love to have your help spreading the word about City of Ember and get the buzz going!

I hope IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m not over stepping any bounds by posting on your blog.
Hope to speak with you soon.

Best,
Blair Landon
Official Ambassador

hb

hey, blair landon, you're not the only one who cant wait! (aka i'm, as i said, super duper excited) okay i feel stupid begging for first look pics, so what exactly IS an "official ambassador" of ember?

Sophie

I read the book and am excited for the movie. I wonder if they will make a city of sparks movie to. Can't wait!

MasonJay

I read the whole trilogy Starting with City of Ember and ending with THe Prophet of Yonwood after my (then) 12 year old niece raved about the story after reading it in school.

I devoured the stories and it left me aching to see it portrayed on th escreen so that the story would reach a larger audience. The timing couldn't be better with our own energy crisis. I may have to fly back to NY for a long weekend so that the kid and I can take in the premier together.

Plus, Tim Robbins and Bill Murray... winner.

jolly ol' fella

okay, I READ THE BOOK and saw the trailer. there was some familiar parts but i had imagined it A LOT different. some scenes, i don't remember from the book. i hate how some movies do that! lol. well i hope it's good, it seems pretty intense, and Doon seems pretty hott..... so why not give it a shot!

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