Mortal Engines Parent Guide

Mortal Engines opens with what must be the most unusual chase scene ever filmed: a massive rolling city is chasing a smaller mobile municipality across the countryside in order to “ingest” it, that is, to use its raw materials as fuel. The scene typifies the entire movie – it’s fast moving, exciting, visually interesting, and distinct from other films in the post-apocalyptic teen movie genre.

This film adaptation is set in a dystopic future. The “Ancients” destroyed the world in their Sixty Minute War using a fearsome “quantum energy” weapon named Medusa. The conflict shattered the earth’s crust, rearranging the continents, devastating the environment, and leaving the survivors in a Darwinian struggle for survival. This battle plays out dramatically between predator cities and “static” cities. One of the largest predator cities is London, which has crossed the land bridge and is devouring Europe’s resources.

London is led by a Lord Mayor (Patrick Malahide) and the able and very popular Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving). Valentine’s rise – and his plans to make London an unstoppable power – are soon to be jeopardized. During the routine absorption of a small mining city, Valentine is stabbed by a young woman (Hera Hilmar), who flees, only to be pursued by Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan). Mishap, treachery, and attempted murder bind their fates together and Tom and the young woman, named Hester Shaw, go on the run in a quest for safety, justice, and vengeance.

Their quest moves extremely quickly: the film has breakneck action sequences, a high-speed and unpredictable plot, top quality CGI, and a unique aesthetic. In fact, the movie’s steampunk design is one of its most appealing features, making it easy for audiences to feel completely immersed in the story’s universe. Screen writer Peter Jackson’s youthful fascination with Star Wars also comes through in the film. Star Wars fans will have fun picking out the allusions and will either be entertained or annoyed by Jackson’s homage to the classic sci fi trailbreaker. Some viewers might also be irked by the plot holes (how did a low-tech society manage to invent giant predatory cities?) but the story’s energy and the likability of the cast are strong enough for the audience to suspend their disbelief and enjoy the show.

Parents looking for an action adventure movie for family viewing can be comfortable in taking their teenagers to Mortal Engines. The movie has no sexual content or drug or alcohol use and only a smattering of curse words. It is, however, very violent, with multiple fight scenes, some of which involve firearms or swords. Characters are wounded and some die, although there is no explicit gore. There is, however, one particularly troubling scene where a father and daughter are locked in combat, each trying to kill the other. The movie also features a Stalker (a cross between a zombie and a cyborg) named Shrike (Stephen Lane) who is a genuinely frightening character and could easily alarm children or sensitive viewers. In terms of messages within the film, parents may be disturbed by one character’s desire for murderous vengeance. Fortunately, the film also provides positive messages about courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and justice.

Moviegoers who enjoy Mortal Engines will be pleased to know that the story is based on the first volume of Philip Reeve’s four novel series. This film stands well on its own and viewers are not left hanging, waiting for a future film to resolve the story. But those who want more can head to their local library to sink deeper into this beautifully imagined world.