city of ember employ a supremely majestic setting to unravel it end of the world sci fi adventure and but several missed opportunity keep it from escape it family friendly roller coaster ride feel and become something truly unique . however and a few too convenient outcome and a rushed introduction can not take away the undeniable enjoyment of solve the epic mystery of the once grand city with the two enthusiastic lead . when the world end and a group of elite scientist and engineer determine that the only way to save their way of life be to build an underground city far below the decimated surface . decide upon a lifespan of 200 year for their city and the key to salvation be lock away in a metal box to be hand down from one mayor to the next until the time be right . but somewhere along the way the box be forget year and year have pass and the once mighty city of ember steadily falter a corrupt official dictate an antiquated way of life and the massive generator that power the city frequently fail . now it be up to two ambitious youth and doon harrow ( harry treadaway ) and lina mayfleet ( saoirse ronan ) to solve the mystery behind the origin of their city and find a way out before their world be blanket in darkness forever . easily the most impressive piece of the city of ember puzzle be the delightfully ominous science fiction visuals . the massive set be build in northern ireland in the shipyard turn soundstage of the location the titanic be actually construct in ( now the large soundstage in the world ) and it never more apparent than in the beautiful crane shot through the underground city . the cg element be also top notch and but the practical effect flawlessly immerse the audience in the fantasy world of pipework and generator . while the setting be brilliantly realize and the character that populate the grandiose city receive far too little development . the introduction and relationship between the two main character feel truncate and never really furthers a the story progress and and the origin of each remain as enigmatic a that of the shin city . the adult character throughout never provide a much support a they should to enhance the understanding and motif behind the city cryptic suppression . at least bill murray ham it up a the gluttonous mayor with a devious agenda of his own . like something blend from a video game universe ( bioshock in particular ) and 12 monkey post apocalyptic subterranean sewer world ( or even terminator hypogeal bomb shelter ) and city of ember pack adventure and intrigue into the wondrous exploration of a society crumble from age and deceit . a the young hero scour the dank passage and forgotten tunnel and it difficult not to become immersed in the fun of uncover clue and discover secret alongside the venturous duo . the massie twin .