What ABOUT Bob?
Fantasy films - all the rage these days, it seems. If you're not
already on the train, you're buying tickets and with plenty of unused
source-material just waiting to be plundered for the sake of cinematic
brilliance, there's no shortage of adventures yet to come. Once the domain
of gifted character actors and B-grade thespians, the allure (and box-office
royalties) of the fantasy genre have attracted those who might've turned their
airy noses up at the proposition at one time...but never again. With the
release of 2008's The City of Ember, the genre gets its unlikeliest of
catches as none other than Bill Murray joins the fun in the first adaptation
from the famed series of novels. Now we've got the first trailer and
despite its relative lack of Murray, still looks like a doozy.
Based on Jeanne DuPrau's 2003 post-apocalyptic novel of the same name and
first in the Ember Series, The City of Ember follows the adventures of
two 12-year olds in humanity's last known settlement, the underground city of
Ember (naturally). But mysteries abound when the lights begin to flicker
and the pair race against the clock to avoid imminent doom and help discover the
intriguing history behind the city itself. Directed by Gil Kenan (Ghost
House) from a script by Tim Burton favorite Caroline Thompson (Nightmare
Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands) and produced by Tom Hanks,
the first adaptation of the popular series also stars Tim Robbins alongside
up-and-comers Harry Treadaway and Saoirse Ronan in the leads. British
The Office (and Pirates of the Caribbean) fans will squeal with
delight knowing their own Gareth (Mackenzie Crook) is also featured here.
Bill Murray stars as Ember Mayor Cole, although how much the comedian will
figure remains to be seen.
So enjoy the dazzling magic of embedded widgets, which help bring the
experience home like never before. Am I the only one concerned about this?
Loved the trailer, and you can bet I'll be there opening night. Go Bill
Murray...don't let me down!
The City of Ember opens its doors everywhere on October 10th!