The City of Ember is, says its producer, “like a family movie and action movie at the same time”.

According to Tom Hanks, what makes his latest project unique is the fact that it’s “not merely a fantasy film but a fantasy film inside an atmosphere we recognise”.

Based on the best-selling novel by Jeanne Duprau, it’s a sci-fi film which not only aims to keep children entertained, but carries a message too – that the curiosity and yearning of our young folk can keep our hopes alive.

The story centres on the underground city of Ember, a place devoid of natural light where the power supply is fading fast and the canned food supplies are running out.

The mayor of Ember, a corrupt, voracious character played to perfection by Bill Murray, is challenged by two children, Lina Mayfleet, played by Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan and Harry Treadway’s Doon Harrow, as they attempt to solve the ancient mystery surrounding their city.

It’s a race against time for the pair as they seek to find the answers to so many puzzles. Why are they underground? Why is the generator failing? What, if anything, is beyond Ember?

Not being a huge fan of children’s fantasy films, I was half expecting not to like this film, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s an exciting enough story-line and the vast, subterranean set which depicts the underground city, is quite simply, mind-blowing.

What makes the set even more impressive is that it was built in Paint Hall in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast.

Last year I was invited to visit the set to meet some cast and crew. Director Gil Kenan, nominated for an Oscar for Monster House, showed us around the old warehouse, which had been transformed into the sprawling city. Production designer Martin Laing, who worked on Titanic and Pearl Harbour, told us that, after much searching, the Paint Hall – with its 90 foot tall ceilings – was deemed ideal.

While it certainly looked elaborate the day I visited, to see it transferred to the big screen was breathtaking.

Murray is on form as the despicable Mayor, and there’s good performances from the rest of the cast, including Tim Robbins and Martin Landau.

But it’s the young ones who steal the show. Relative newcomer Harry Treadway shows great potential, while Saoirse Ronan lights up the screen.

There’s only one shot which may give away to viewers that the film was shot in Belfast. But it’s not that obvious unless you live in its shadow.

But I’ll say nothing more, as I don’t want to give away the ending.