City Of Ember (PG)

Oct 10 2008

THE late October arrival of High School Musical 3 and James Bond’s Quantum of Solace is causing an almighty rush of current releases.

And here’s yet another expensive thriller fighting for screen time.

Based on Jeanne DuPrau’s 2003 novel The City of Ember, it’s based on the idea of expanding the bunkers that were constructed during the shadowy years spent living under the fear of nuclear war.

Now, with food stocks and power supplies both running out, what does the future hold for its inhabitants?

With only two action set pieces the film lacks pace and the digital effects are no match for the production design – a hangar on Belfast docks was used to create an entire, 200-year-old subterranean city laid out in concentric circles.

But this is still an interestingly-ambitious venture for young British director Gil Kenan, whose debut with Monster House suggests he’s a real talent in the making.

The cast includes Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Toby Jones and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, with Atonement’s Oscar-nominee, Saoirse Ronan, now having the guidance of a granny played by veteran star Liz Smith.

* Website: www.cityofember.com