So many people on here are posting negative reviews simply because they think this movie "isn't appropriate for children" because it has demons in it and deals with the occult. I don't think this movie deserves such a low rating simply based off of that. This is a fun and enjoyable movie with a good amount of gag humour thrown into it. Yes it might be a little too scary for younger children, but that doesn't make it a bad movie.
480 Reviews
It's not for kids so I'm going to rate it 1? STOP
mustaballama3 November 2018
(Some parents are complaining about the rating but are ignoring the quality of this movie for their little issues. It's why parent's can actually look up reviews before watching a movie with their kids. Like you guys are fine letting your kids watch prince charming kiss unconscious princesses but mild horror, oh no?)
Anyway, yeah this movie was good, and most kids will like it too, if they love Harry Potter, then this will be great for them. I did want to give it 10/10 for the rating being so low but that wouldn't be an honest review of the quality of the movie. It was definitely entertaining and thrilling for me.
Anyway, yeah this movie was good, and most kids will like it too, if they love Harry Potter, then this will be great for them. I did want to give it 10/10 for the rating being so low but that wouldn't be an honest review of the quality of the movie. It was definitely entertaining and thrilling for me.
Decent Adaptation with Hit or Miss Moments
leaugebrett21 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I was a huge fan of John Bellairs book series growing up, and was excited for a hopefully competent film adaptation. The biggest dissapointment for me was the casting of Owen Vaccaro as Lewis Barnavelt. In the books, he was a well-defined and intelligent protagonist who overcame obstacles via inventiveness. In this film, he's a crybaby with terrible character motivation and a generally useless atmosphere, with Vaccaro giving one of the worst child actor performances I've seen in years (not exaggerating, the "bully" character that we're supposed to hate is a better actor and more likeable than the lead).
Jack Black does a good job with the lackluster script and Cate Blanchet's character was probably my favorite in the film. Kyle Maclachlan's brief role is also great, I'm glad he went all out for a relatively unknown movie. The set and costume design is also solid, while the CGI hurts some scenes.
While I'll never watch this movie again, I would recommend it to parents looking for a unique live action kid's film. The House With the Clock in It's Walls could have been a much more memorable film with a different lead actor, or with a script that drew more from the rich source material.
Jack Black does a good job with the lackluster script and Cate Blanchet's character was probably my favorite in the film. Kyle Maclachlan's brief role is also great, I'm glad he went all out for a relatively unknown movie. The set and costume design is also solid, while the CGI hurts some scenes.
While I'll never watch this movie again, I would recommend it to parents looking for a unique live action kid's film. The House With the Clock in It's Walls could have been a much more memorable film with a different lead actor, or with a script that drew more from the rich source material.
Decent Waste of Time
southdavid19 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Orphaned and sent to live with his Uncle Johnathan (Jack Black), Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) soon discovers that his Uncle is a Warlock, and his neighbour Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett) is a witch. Together the three of them investigate the mansion that their living in - that formally belonged to a powerful and evil Warlock Issac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan), particularly the mysterious ticking that they can hear at night, seemingly coming from within the walls themselves.
Truth be told, I am probably much older than the target audience for this one. The reviews have talked about this being Eli Roth's first family friendly film but there isn't honestly a lot for the parents in the audience to sink their teeth into. The performances are generally OK, although Jack Black does resort to "Jack Black" a few more times than is really necessary. The story is OK, though it ends somewhat abruptly. Occasionally the CGI is a bit of a let-down, but this is the exception rather than the norm, in fact most of the time the film is visually charming..
It is occasionally a little too scary for some of the younger children who might see it, but most would cope without any issues.
The trouble is that it doesn't really add up to very much. You're unlikely to hate it but you probably won't love it either.
Truth be told, I am probably much older than the target audience for this one. The reviews have talked about this being Eli Roth's first family friendly film but there isn't honestly a lot for the parents in the audience to sink their teeth into. The performances are generally OK, although Jack Black does resort to "Jack Black" a few more times than is really necessary. The story is OK, though it ends somewhat abruptly. Occasionally the CGI is a bit of a let-down, but this is the exception rather than the norm, in fact most of the time the film is visually charming..
It is occasionally a little too scary for some of the younger children who might see it, but most would cope without any issues.
The trouble is that it doesn't really add up to very much. You're unlikely to hate it but you probably won't love it either.
Not timeless but has enough to make one tick
TheLittleSongbird27 September 2018
Love Cate Blanchett, have liked various films of Jack Black and he is great when used properly (same with Kyle MacLachlan) and love fantasy/comedy. Seeing the advertising, 'The House with a Clock in Its Wall' doesn't blow the mind in this regard but it intrigues and the idea of the story sounded great (have not read the book).
Found 'The House with a Clock in Its Walls' something of a mixed bag while finding enough to like. It won't click with everybody, with some finding it too dark or others finding it too basic and lightweight so target audience may be an issue for some, both feelings very understandable. Its best elements are very good but the flaws are obvious. Not one of the best films of the year by all means, while also not one of the worst.
The most noticeable good asset is the splendid production design, just love the house which was like a character of its own and the atmospheric photography. Personally thought the special effects were quite good, particularly enchantingly eerie were the mannequins and even more so the pumpkins. The music has a nice mix of fun and scary which matches the film's objective of being scary/fun.
Eli Roth is an unusual choice for director, for him this is quite tame and very far removed from what he is famous for, he does very competently if with not an awful lot of distinction. 'The House with a Clock in Its Walls' starts off very well, it's interesting, is amusing and entices one right in. There are some fun set pieces and some unsettling ones. A highlight is the baby body with Black's head. Much of the final act excites. The adult cast are fine. Jack Black is both serious and eccentric and manages both with aplomb. Cate Blanchett is amusing, her and Black's banter and chemistry is a high-point of the film, and Kyle MacLachlan does a lot with a somewhat underwritten and underused villain role.
Owen Vaccaro's performance however was very uneven, sometimes he was appealing and quirky but at other points, and they appear more often, the acting is forced and he sometimes over-emoted. Sunny Suljic is much more natural if not without robotic moments. As said, Izard could have been a much more interesting character with more screen time and depth for all MacLachlan's best efforts.
Some of the middle act does drag when the action loses momentum and things become especially slight in an already very slight and at times rather lightweight story that could have been fresher. The satanic elements didn't seem to gel with the rest of the film and enough for older viewers to question the target audience intended. The dialogue is funny with Black and Blanchett, could have been more natural elsewhere. The very end felt too much like an anti-climax when the mostly exciting action in the final act where much of the story leads somewhere becomes a little rushed.
In summary, a lot of good elements but also with faults too difficult to ignore. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Found 'The House with a Clock in Its Walls' something of a mixed bag while finding enough to like. It won't click with everybody, with some finding it too dark or others finding it too basic and lightweight so target audience may be an issue for some, both feelings very understandable. Its best elements are very good but the flaws are obvious. Not one of the best films of the year by all means, while also not one of the worst.
The most noticeable good asset is the splendid production design, just love the house which was like a character of its own and the atmospheric photography. Personally thought the special effects were quite good, particularly enchantingly eerie were the mannequins and even more so the pumpkins. The music has a nice mix of fun and scary which matches the film's objective of being scary/fun.
Eli Roth is an unusual choice for director, for him this is quite tame and very far removed from what he is famous for, he does very competently if with not an awful lot of distinction. 'The House with a Clock in Its Walls' starts off very well, it's interesting, is amusing and entices one right in. There are some fun set pieces and some unsettling ones. A highlight is the baby body with Black's head. Much of the final act excites. The adult cast are fine. Jack Black is both serious and eccentric and manages both with aplomb. Cate Blanchett is amusing, her and Black's banter and chemistry is a high-point of the film, and Kyle MacLachlan does a lot with a somewhat underwritten and underused villain role.
Owen Vaccaro's performance however was very uneven, sometimes he was appealing and quirky but at other points, and they appear more often, the acting is forced and he sometimes over-emoted. Sunny Suljic is much more natural if not without robotic moments. As said, Izard could have been a much more interesting character with more screen time and depth for all MacLachlan's best efforts.
Some of the middle act does drag when the action loses momentum and things become especially slight in an already very slight and at times rather lightweight story that could have been fresher. The satanic elements didn't seem to gel with the rest of the film and enough for older viewers to question the target audience intended. The dialogue is funny with Black and Blanchett, could have been more natural elsewhere. The very end felt too much like an anti-climax when the mostly exciting action in the final act where much of the story leads somewhere becomes a little rushed.
In summary, a lot of good elements but also with faults too difficult to ignore. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Good atmosphere, two great actors, but...
info-2079722 September 2018
A watchable comedy-fantasy movie
MpGrill16 January 2019
It's obvious that the main audience target are children but the movie has enough elements to keep adults watch the movie till the end. Some mild horror-like elements appear trough the film, but nothing too scary. Mostly you'll enjoy the fantasy and comedy elements. The story is kind of interesting but lacks some more depth in the main parts and character side story's. Connections between characters are never really expressed and constructed trough the film. Characters have a comedic appearance with a great acting parts from Owen Vaccaro and Cate Blanchett. Overall, a watchable fantasy comedy movie for a quite evening.
Disappointing
burgercolleen26 September 2018
I was very excited to see this movie as I'm a fan of fantasy films, plus casting Jack Black and Cate Blanchett was icing on the cake. However, the movie lacked excitement. There were a lot of drawn out boring segments where I felt myself closing my eyes and drifting off a bit and that's rare for me during a movie. The previews made it look like it was going to be creatively exciting, but all the good parts were in the trailer. Since going to the movies these days can be costly, I say don't bother wasting your money.
A Good Film but Not Great
conradclub21 September 2018
Good cast, good special effects & interesting storyline, yet it lacked story depth & attention to story details. If had been done right, the story could have been better than mediocre. First and foremost this story is about 3 people in search for love, family and finding where one belongs. The screenplay failed to show hints of romantic love between Jack Black & Cate Blanchett's characters. Jack Black showed little attachment to the Boy which could have been demonstrated by hands on magical instruction by Black to the Boy. Thirdly, the movie could have spent a scene or two with the "true friend" with the boy. Finally, I thought the back story of Black's nemesis was clumsily done. It seemed to me that this movie was half baked instead of being nurtured into a mature film that could have been fully entertaining to kids and adults.
Sorry to say, but I give this film a 6.5 to 7.
Sorry
AzSumTuk29 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Jack Black and Cate Blanchette are awesome in this. Funny when they have to be, dead serious when it is needed, with great chemistry between them... If these two were the main characters of this movie, it would probably be great. Sadly, they're not. The main character is played by Owen Vaccaro, a kid I hope I'll never hear of again. Maybe I'm unjustly harsh here, but his performance in this movie was simply awful, so forced, so exaggerated that it only brought laughter where it was supposed to bring seriousness and cringe where it was supposed to bring fun. The kid who played Vaccaro's character's bully was a much better actor - at least, he could become likable when he needed to be liked. Vaccaro's performance dragged everything down, and, apart from Black and Blanchette, nothing in this movie is that good to begin with.
First, OK, it's visually nice, but some of the CGI is really sub par. Plus, it just reeks of political correctness - I'm mentioning this when I'm talking about the visual side of the movie, because, sadly, the abundance of Asian and black kids in the main character's school serves only a decorative purpose - they don't have memorable lines (if they even have lines at all, which I've forgotten already, and I saw the movie less than an hour ago), they don't matter, they're just there - in an American school in 1955, only a year after the racial segregation in American schools was declared unconstitutional. Am I supposed to believe that kids of color were suddenly so well received? And if they were, why were they demoted to mere set decoration in the movie? Purely visually, that didn't make sense - it made the movie look as if it were set in the 80s or the 90s. All in all, while colourful and easy on the eye, the movie didn't really look as if it were set in the 50s.
Second, the writing is Razzie worthy. Eric Kripke, known for "Supernatural", did everything he could to make the story so brutally inconsistent that one can't help but wonder what it was supposed to be. It's not just a supernatural story, it's also a school drama - a school drama where it's easier to sympathize with the bully, because he's just more likable and easier to understand. The main character is irredeemably stupid, despite the filmmakers' efforts to make him look smart - which is the only reason the bully resorted to hitting him. (By the way, the main character attacked first, he just did it sloppy.) Seriously, put yourself in the bully's shoes. If someone risked your life using force you don't understand, would you want to be friends with them? Would you want them near you? I wouldn't.
Then there is the problem with the magic in this story - while nice to look at, it really makes no logical sense. How is it that in some scenes Jack Black's Jonathan is incredibly powerful, and in others he isn't? How is it that Owen Vaccaro's Lewis suddenly loses his magic powers only to just gain them back with no explanation whatsoever when the plot needs them? How is it that Cate Blanchette's Florence suddenly regains her long lost powers just when the plot needs them? (OK, that has some explanation, but it's not good enough.) This is just deus ex machina in its purest form.
Then, of course, there's the problem with the movie's uneven tone. Dead serious scenes revealing dark secret of certain characters' past are followed by poop jokes. Literally. In one scene Florence cries about the death of her daughter, in the next she utters one liners while gleefully killing living dolls with her umbrella. In the climax Lewis literally kills two people with magic, and just a few minutes later he is cheerily pranking his classmates. And so on. The makers of this movie just couldn't find the balance between horror and comedy - the comedy is way too light, and the horror, while not that scary, is way too violent and way too serious to not leave a mark on the characters, especially on Lewis. Lewis killed two people and then went to school to prank ten year old kids with magic. I mean... How? Is he a psychopath or something?
Also, the school was just horrible. What gym teacher would allow a student with a broken leg and a student with a broken arm to play basketball in class? I know this was supposed to signify that kids in that school would rather take a cripple in their team than Lewis, but it was just absurd. It was less believable than the magic in the movie.
All in all, the movie did not give me what I wanted from it. Sorry.
First, OK, it's visually nice, but some of the CGI is really sub par. Plus, it just reeks of political correctness - I'm mentioning this when I'm talking about the visual side of the movie, because, sadly, the abundance of Asian and black kids in the main character's school serves only a decorative purpose - they don't have memorable lines (if they even have lines at all, which I've forgotten already, and I saw the movie less than an hour ago), they don't matter, they're just there - in an American school in 1955, only a year after the racial segregation in American schools was declared unconstitutional. Am I supposed to believe that kids of color were suddenly so well received? And if they were, why were they demoted to mere set decoration in the movie? Purely visually, that didn't make sense - it made the movie look as if it were set in the 80s or the 90s. All in all, while colourful and easy on the eye, the movie didn't really look as if it were set in the 50s.
Second, the writing is Razzie worthy. Eric Kripke, known for "Supernatural", did everything he could to make the story so brutally inconsistent that one can't help but wonder what it was supposed to be. It's not just a supernatural story, it's also a school drama - a school drama where it's easier to sympathize with the bully, because he's just more likable and easier to understand. The main character is irredeemably stupid, despite the filmmakers' efforts to make him look smart - which is the only reason the bully resorted to hitting him. (By the way, the main character attacked first, he just did it sloppy.) Seriously, put yourself in the bully's shoes. If someone risked your life using force you don't understand, would you want to be friends with them? Would you want them near you? I wouldn't.
Then there is the problem with the magic in this story - while nice to look at, it really makes no logical sense. How is it that in some scenes Jack Black's Jonathan is incredibly powerful, and in others he isn't? How is it that Owen Vaccaro's Lewis suddenly loses his magic powers only to just gain them back with no explanation whatsoever when the plot needs them? How is it that Cate Blanchette's Florence suddenly regains her long lost powers just when the plot needs them? (OK, that has some explanation, but it's not good enough.) This is just deus ex machina in its purest form.
Then, of course, there's the problem with the movie's uneven tone. Dead serious scenes revealing dark secret of certain characters' past are followed by poop jokes. Literally. In one scene Florence cries about the death of her daughter, in the next she utters one liners while gleefully killing living dolls with her umbrella. In the climax Lewis literally kills two people with magic, and just a few minutes later he is cheerily pranking his classmates. And so on. The makers of this movie just couldn't find the balance between horror and comedy - the comedy is way too light, and the horror, while not that scary, is way too violent and way too serious to not leave a mark on the characters, especially on Lewis. Lewis killed two people and then went to school to prank ten year old kids with magic. I mean... How? Is he a psychopath or something?
Also, the school was just horrible. What gym teacher would allow a student with a broken leg and a student with a broken arm to play basketball in class? I know this was supposed to signify that kids in that school would rather take a cripple in their team than Lewis, but it was just absurd. It was less believable than the magic in the movie.
All in all, the movie did not give me what I wanted from it. Sorry.
People are too easily scared and scared for their children
jef-mod1 November 2019
Why are people saying this movie is not for kids?
I don't understand, it's perfect for kids, we had way more scary movies when I was younger, and we grew up fine.
Teach your kids the difference between movies and real life, you'll see, it works.
Silly but Entertaining
claudio_carvalho10 March 2019
In 1955, the orphan Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro) arrives in Michigan to live with his uncle Jonathan Barnavelt (Jack Black). Soon he learns that his uncle is a warlock and his best friend Florence Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett) is a witch. Jonathan accepts to teach witchcrafts to Lewis and explains that there is only one rule in the house: the boy cannot open a cabinet in the house. Lewis is outcast at school and his mate Tarby Corrigan (Sunny Suljic) is the only boy that pays attention to him. He decides to invite Tarby to come home and the boy opens the cabinet and they discover a necromancy book inside. Lewis goes to the cemetery with Tarby to resurrect a dead and they choose the tomb of Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan), who is a powerful wizard and plans to destroy mankind. What will happen next?
"The House with a Clock in Its Walls" is a silly but entertaining film with Cate Blanchett, Jack Black and Kyle MacLachlan. The target audience is teenagers but also entertains adults. The special effects are top-notch. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "O Mistério do Relógio na Parede" ("The Mystery of the Clock in the Wall")
"The House with a Clock in Its Walls" is a silly but entertaining film with Cate Blanchett, Jack Black and Kyle MacLachlan. The target audience is teenagers but also entertains adults. The special effects are top-notch. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "O Mistério do Relógio na Parede" ("The Mystery of the Clock in the Wall")
The House with a Clock in Its Walls: Take what you'd expect, and that's basically it
Platypuschow21 December 2018
Jack Black is in a redemption phase for me, he hasn't been funny for a while not since Gulliver's Travels (2010) in fact. This certainly isn't doing much for him, but it's a step in the right direction.
Starring him, Cate Blanchett and Kyle MacLachlan this family feature is quite dark in places, lacks enough laughs to be called a comedy and really brings no surprises to the table.
What I'm saying is that The House with a Clock in Its Walls is basically a very generic paint by numbers Hollywood family movie, it just has a competent cast to rise it above mediocrity.
Sure I'm not the demographic, but I liked Goosebumps (2015) which was a very similar formula. Black is great, Blanchett is great, the whole thing though was played a tad safe for my liking.
The Good:
Cast deliver
A couple of chuckles are to be found
The Bad:
Some poor cgi
Not funny enough for a comedy
Things I Learnt From This Movie:
There is hope for Black yet
Kids shouldn't lead films, they suck. In fact they should be seen and not heard.......scratch that not seen and not heard.
Starring him, Cate Blanchett and Kyle MacLachlan this family feature is quite dark in places, lacks enough laughs to be called a comedy and really brings no surprises to the table.
What I'm saying is that The House with a Clock in Its Walls is basically a very generic paint by numbers Hollywood family movie, it just has a competent cast to rise it above mediocrity.
Sure I'm not the demographic, but I liked Goosebumps (2015) which was a very similar formula. Black is great, Blanchett is great, the whole thing though was played a tad safe for my liking.
The Good:
Cast deliver
A couple of chuckles are to be found
The Bad:
Some poor cgi
Not funny enough for a comedy
Things I Learnt From This Movie:
There is hope for Black yet
Kids shouldn't lead films, they suck. In fact they should be seen and not heard.......scratch that not seen and not heard.
Who is the target audience?
vegeta-julian3 October 2018
The movie was a decent way to spend about 2 hours, but it left me wondering who the target audience is.
For adults I found that the plot is too silly and has too many random "conveniences", but children might be shocked and frightened by some contents. So maybe it is just for those who are just too old for Harry Potter, but too young for R rated movies? Would be a pretty small audience.
Anyway, I had some mindless fun with it.
A fun fantasy with a growing up story about a boy and learning magic but a shallow story.
cruise0122 September 2018
The House with a Clock in its Walls (3 out of 5 stars).
The House with a Clock in its Walls is a fantasy family film that brings a story about warlocks and magic and a house filled with lively things such as a moving couch, ever changing glass work, or even a pet plant lion. It is surprising that director Eli Roth, the guy that does mainly gory horror films is taking on a family oriented film. Do not worry, he tries for the cheap jump scare tricks and some creepy setting. It would seem like a Tim Burton type of film. Yet again, the movie does seem similar to Miss Peregrine with people and gifted abilities and a plot that is dark.
Well the plot was decent and yet forgettable. It takes place in 1955, Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) parents passed away. And he is sent away to live with his estranged uncle Jonathan (Jack Black). Lewis meets Jonathan's neighbor Florence (Cate Blanchett) that spends most of the time with him. Lewis enters his uncle's big house with many antiques, clocks, and mannequins. When Jonathan informs Lewis that he is a warlock. And can teach him spells. Lewis has trouble making friends in school. He tries to impress a kid by showing him some magic which leads to something more. While, Jonathan has been on a search for a clock hidden in the walls in the house that is counting down to something more dark.
The plot had a nice concept of warlocks, magic, and even a dark third act. But the film spends most of the time with Lewis learning about his uncle and his warlock lifestyle. Seeing that the furniture being lively. And struggling to keep a friend in school. While he makes the stupid decision to impress a kid with a dark magic. And the movie spending most of the time with Jonathan trying to figure out where the clock is hidden. Until, the final act, they conveniently connected the dots of its whereabouts. Sure, the final act picks up the pace of the movie. And can get a little creepy when armored knights walk around the house, books fly around chaotically, and the villains motive with the hidden clock is dark. Do not worry, the film lights up the tone with cheesy, tacky humor, and even a disturbing grown up person's head on a baby body.
Jack Black was decent as Jonathan playing a cool uncle that tries too be relatable. Cate Blanchett playing Florence was good. Owen Vaccaro could have given a little bit of a better performance. Felt like he was reading straight from the script with cliff notes on the characters emotions.
The visual effects were okay. But it does have a creepy setting and direction. Jack O lanterns coming alive. Dolls moving around, paintings changing, and a couch that acts more like a puppy. While, the script does set up a slow story that does not progress until the final act.
Overall, The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a fair fantasy film. Interesting dark concept with a creepy house setting that has a mixture of Adam's family, or Miss Peregrines. The acting was decent. The visuals and direction was good on being creepy fun. The plot focused too much on characters searching for a clock and not much of a story until its dark finale.
The House with a Clock in its Walls is a fantasy family film that brings a story about warlocks and magic and a house filled with lively things such as a moving couch, ever changing glass work, or even a pet plant lion. It is surprising that director Eli Roth, the guy that does mainly gory horror films is taking on a family oriented film. Do not worry, he tries for the cheap jump scare tricks and some creepy setting. It would seem like a Tim Burton type of film. Yet again, the movie does seem similar to Miss Peregrine with people and gifted abilities and a plot that is dark.
Well the plot was decent and yet forgettable. It takes place in 1955, Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) parents passed away. And he is sent away to live with his estranged uncle Jonathan (Jack Black). Lewis meets Jonathan's neighbor Florence (Cate Blanchett) that spends most of the time with him. Lewis enters his uncle's big house with many antiques, clocks, and mannequins. When Jonathan informs Lewis that he is a warlock. And can teach him spells. Lewis has trouble making friends in school. He tries to impress a kid by showing him some magic which leads to something more. While, Jonathan has been on a search for a clock hidden in the walls in the house that is counting down to something more dark.
The plot had a nice concept of warlocks, magic, and even a dark third act. But the film spends most of the time with Lewis learning about his uncle and his warlock lifestyle. Seeing that the furniture being lively. And struggling to keep a friend in school. While he makes the stupid decision to impress a kid with a dark magic. And the movie spending most of the time with Jonathan trying to figure out where the clock is hidden. Until, the final act, they conveniently connected the dots of its whereabouts. Sure, the final act picks up the pace of the movie. And can get a little creepy when armored knights walk around the house, books fly around chaotically, and the villains motive with the hidden clock is dark. Do not worry, the film lights up the tone with cheesy, tacky humor, and even a disturbing grown up person's head on a baby body.
Jack Black was decent as Jonathan playing a cool uncle that tries too be relatable. Cate Blanchett playing Florence was good. Owen Vaccaro could have given a little bit of a better performance. Felt like he was reading straight from the script with cliff notes on the characters emotions.
The visual effects were okay. But it does have a creepy setting and direction. Jack O lanterns coming alive. Dolls moving around, paintings changing, and a couch that acts more like a puppy. While, the script does set up a slow story that does not progress until the final act.
Overall, The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a fair fantasy film. Interesting dark concept with a creepy house setting that has a mixture of Adam's family, or Miss Peregrines. The acting was decent. The visuals and direction was good on being creepy fun. The plot focused too much on characters searching for a clock and not much of a story until its dark finale.
Okay, everyone... calm down about Satan already!
apisano-133191 October 2018
If this movie had prayer and bible readings, there wouldn't be one person hollering about indoctrinating children. But that's exactly what that is... pushing a religious agenda on kids is, by definition, indoctrination. If you happen to be Christian, a film with a little black magic shouldn't threaten your belief system. Just like seeing a person smoking doesn't automatically make your child pick up a pack of cigs and a lighter to start smoking.
The fact is, there are many religions in the world. And no single religion threatens the existence of the others. Except in the case of Christians... they seem to think that their religion is better or more important than the others and can't exist in a world that embraces freedom of religion.
This movie was fun. Yes, there were some annoying parts... personally, I thought the kid was annoying and screamed entirely too often. But overall, my kids enjoyed it immensely. And surprise, surprise, none of them needed a therapist or exorcism after the credits rolled.
So everyone just calm down. Seeing this movie is not going to make children start wearing all black and yelling hail Lucifer. SMH
The fact is, there are many religions in the world. And no single religion threatens the existence of the others. Except in the case of Christians... they seem to think that their religion is better or more important than the others and can't exist in a world that embraces freedom of religion.
This movie was fun. Yes, there were some annoying parts... personally, I thought the kid was annoying and screamed entirely too often. But overall, my kids enjoyed it immensely. And surprise, surprise, none of them needed a therapist or exorcism after the credits rolled.
So everyone just calm down. Seeing this movie is not going to make children start wearing all black and yelling hail Lucifer. SMH
Good for families
balive-170-767905 October 2018
I'll be straight up and say that if you have a kid that is 9 to 11 years old, this could be a decent family movie to watch together. But adults will likely find this movie misses the mark. The characters are quirky and one-dimensional at the same time and the tone of the movie is a bit uneven. It wasn't a complete waste of time, but at the same time, I don't need to see it again.
The scariest part of this is the casting choice for Lewis.
gotskeelz2 December 2018
I grew up reading the John Bellairs' books. With the Edward Gorey illustrations, it appealed to the gothic/macabre genre. The themes were dark and the plot was suspenseful. I had high expectations for the movie rendition of House with a Clock in Its Walls.
As many have mentioned, the movie falls flat. There is significant deviation from the book. The themes of a struggling boy trying to fit into a new environment, coping with the loss of his parents, and trying to find security in a new environment are totally gone. The movie tries for a fantasy and comedic undertone which departs from what Bellairs' pursued in all his books (Bellairs would be turning over in his grave if he knew they put a farting lion garden shrub in his story). I'm not quite sure why they went for this approach as today's audience would have welcomed the original gothic/darker themes.
I won't belabor the point as numerous others have commented on it. The actor for portrays Lewis is atrocious. Every time he tries to show any emotion (i.e., show fear or cry), it is awful.
If you watch this movie, not knowing the book, you may be able to get through it. If you have read the book and are expecting it to follow the same themes, you will be highly let down.
As many have mentioned, the movie falls flat. There is significant deviation from the book. The themes of a struggling boy trying to fit into a new environment, coping with the loss of his parents, and trying to find security in a new environment are totally gone. The movie tries for a fantasy and comedic undertone which departs from what Bellairs' pursued in all his books (Bellairs would be turning over in his grave if he knew they put a farting lion garden shrub in his story). I'm not quite sure why they went for this approach as today's audience would have welcomed the original gothic/darker themes.
I won't belabor the point as numerous others have commented on it. The actor for portrays Lewis is atrocious. Every time he tries to show any emotion (i.e., show fear or cry), it is awful.
If you watch this movie, not knowing the book, you may be able to get through it. If you have read the book and are expecting it to follow the same themes, you will be highly let down.
Throwback to Good, Old-school fantasy horror flicks with a Pinch of Comedy
rannynm23 September 2018
The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a throwback to the good old-school fantasy horror flicks with a pinch of comedy. The acting and directing perfectly compliment this effective blend. This is sure to be an enjoyable watch for anyone looking for a family fun time.
The story follows orphan Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) as he is sent to Michigan to live with his uncle Jonathan (Jack Black) and family friend Florence (Cate Blanchett). He discovers his uncle is a warlock and enters a magical world unlike any before. Nonetheless, this power can come of great malice, especially under the control of Isaac Izard (Kyle McLachlan), an evil wizard who wants to pioneer the beginning of time at the cost of all who live. To do this, he assembled plans for a time-travelling clock under the influence of blood magic and, as long as it exists, it will keep ticking, counting down to the Apocalypse. However, he died before he could finish the clock and hid the clock in his house, where Uncle Jonathan and Florence now live. Now, Lewis, Jonathan, and Florence must find the clock before it is too late, as necromancy threatens to rebirth Izard.
Owen Vaccaro, as Lewis, debuts impressively characterizing his inner pedant and emotional vulnerabilities. It is truly exciting to watch his character struggle and master the magic arts and current social status. Jack Black, as Jonathan, is my favorite character as he excels with vibrant gestures and comic timing. His struggles and determination to connect with nephew Lewis about his orphanage are touching to watch and strengthened the movie's emotional core. Cate Blanchett, as Florence, is enthralling with her sharp remarks and magic finesse. Last, but not least, Kyle McLachlan, as Isaac Izard, goes all in with his villainous and determined goals with the help of his equally cunning wife Selena, played by Renee Elise Goldsberry.
Eli Roth talentedly directs the movie with his previous horror techniques taking full play in the movie's suspenseful scenes with the blood taking a backstage. 80s influences are clear within these, too, enlightening those of older ages. My favorite scene is the movie's introduction of the clock's ticking because the ambient sound mixing and design left me craving more. However, my problem with this movie stems from the plot development in general as the movie does not really get going until halfway through by delving full force into Izzard's endeavors. This leaves the first half feeling dull and repetitive at times as it just feels like an hour-long introduction to the house.
The message of the movie is to always believe in hope and people, as that carries Lewis past his family tragedy and elevates him to become a hero. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 10 because of some intense horror.
Reviewed by Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, visit kidsfirst dot org
The story follows orphan Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) as he is sent to Michigan to live with his uncle Jonathan (Jack Black) and family friend Florence (Cate Blanchett). He discovers his uncle is a warlock and enters a magical world unlike any before. Nonetheless, this power can come of great malice, especially under the control of Isaac Izard (Kyle McLachlan), an evil wizard who wants to pioneer the beginning of time at the cost of all who live. To do this, he assembled plans for a time-travelling clock under the influence of blood magic and, as long as it exists, it will keep ticking, counting down to the Apocalypse. However, he died before he could finish the clock and hid the clock in his house, where Uncle Jonathan and Florence now live. Now, Lewis, Jonathan, and Florence must find the clock before it is too late, as necromancy threatens to rebirth Izard.
Owen Vaccaro, as Lewis, debuts impressively characterizing his inner pedant and emotional vulnerabilities. It is truly exciting to watch his character struggle and master the magic arts and current social status. Jack Black, as Jonathan, is my favorite character as he excels with vibrant gestures and comic timing. His struggles and determination to connect with nephew Lewis about his orphanage are touching to watch and strengthened the movie's emotional core. Cate Blanchett, as Florence, is enthralling with her sharp remarks and magic finesse. Last, but not least, Kyle McLachlan, as Isaac Izard, goes all in with his villainous and determined goals with the help of his equally cunning wife Selena, played by Renee Elise Goldsberry.
Eli Roth talentedly directs the movie with his previous horror techniques taking full play in the movie's suspenseful scenes with the blood taking a backstage. 80s influences are clear within these, too, enlightening those of older ages. My favorite scene is the movie's introduction of the clock's ticking because the ambient sound mixing and design left me craving more. However, my problem with this movie stems from the plot development in general as the movie does not really get going until halfway through by delving full force into Izzard's endeavors. This leaves the first half feeling dull and repetitive at times as it just feels like an hour-long introduction to the house.
The message of the movie is to always believe in hope and people, as that carries Lewis past his family tragedy and elevates him to become a hero. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 10 because of some intense horror.
Reviewed by Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, visit kidsfirst dot org
Can't Decide What It Wants To Be
majorcbruno1 October 2018
The House with a Clock in Its Walls has two things going for it - Jack Black, who stars in the film, and... Jack Black, who also stars in the film. Normally, any film with both of those qualities would instantly be a favorite of mine. You could count on a totally quirky, crass, and hilarious romp of a movie, with a not-so-insignificant chance of a guitar solo or heavy metal reference thrown in.
However, it seems that just slapping a well known actor onto a film does not a good movie make. Black can't seem to live up to his usual level of zaniness, primarily due to the very poor writing. The dialogue is incredibly inconsistent, and varies wildly in style. You could convince me, without much effort, that it was a collaboration between an HBO drama writer, and a five year old who hasn't gotten past poop jokes yet. One moment you have cutting dialogue about family and loss, really forcing the characters to deal with their flaws, and the next you have a magical garden statue firing wads of poo at an unsuspecting Lewis. Even with good casting you can't work around that, and frequently the adult characters in the film sound like caricatures of people, delivering bizarrely wooden lines that feel very out of place.
Not only is the writing all over the place, but so is the subject matter. You have magic and wizardry on the one hand, schoolyard drama on the other, and then a bizarre dive into necromancy, Satyrs, and all manner of occult influences. The film can't make up its mind on what kind of story it wants to tell, or who the story is for.
The oscillation between these different tones creates a truly jarring experience watching the film. Parts of it are done well - the more serious dramatic moments actually hit home quite well - but they are so fleeting that they lose their impact. This makes the immature and childish jokes and one liners even more stale and out of place than they already are.
The actual story of the film is easily its biggest strength. A tale of mystery and magic, with some creative ideas and interesting characters. It follows the story of Lewis, who moves in with an Uncle he soon learns is magical. Lewis gets swept into a world of warlocks and witches, a world that holds both wonderous sights and dark secrets alike. Certainly a promising start. There are even some surprising twists here and there. The potential is absolutely there for a fun and creative adventure that the whole family could enjoy, but that potential is squandered by poor execution, inconsistent writing, and an inability for the film to just make up its mind. The House with a Clock in Its Walls may be confused, but I'm not. I wouldn't recommend seeing this one.
However, it seems that just slapping a well known actor onto a film does not a good movie make. Black can't seem to live up to his usual level of zaniness, primarily due to the very poor writing. The dialogue is incredibly inconsistent, and varies wildly in style. You could convince me, without much effort, that it was a collaboration between an HBO drama writer, and a five year old who hasn't gotten past poop jokes yet. One moment you have cutting dialogue about family and loss, really forcing the characters to deal with their flaws, and the next you have a magical garden statue firing wads of poo at an unsuspecting Lewis. Even with good casting you can't work around that, and frequently the adult characters in the film sound like caricatures of people, delivering bizarrely wooden lines that feel very out of place.
Not only is the writing all over the place, but so is the subject matter. You have magic and wizardry on the one hand, schoolyard drama on the other, and then a bizarre dive into necromancy, Satyrs, and all manner of occult influences. The film can't make up its mind on what kind of story it wants to tell, or who the story is for.
The oscillation between these different tones creates a truly jarring experience watching the film. Parts of it are done well - the more serious dramatic moments actually hit home quite well - but they are so fleeting that they lose their impact. This makes the immature and childish jokes and one liners even more stale and out of place than they already are.
The actual story of the film is easily its biggest strength. A tale of mystery and magic, with some creative ideas and interesting characters. It follows the story of Lewis, who moves in with an Uncle he soon learns is magical. Lewis gets swept into a world of warlocks and witches, a world that holds both wonderous sights and dark secrets alike. Certainly a promising start. There are even some surprising twists here and there. The potential is absolutely there for a fun and creative adventure that the whole family could enjoy, but that potential is squandered by poor execution, inconsistent writing, and an inability for the film to just make up its mind. The House with a Clock in Its Walls may be confused, but I'm not. I wouldn't recommend seeing this one.
Super cute different type for Eli Roth which is epic!
UniqueParticle8 October 2019
The main kid is so adorable and Jack Black is a delight as always! It's shocking how every film before this that Eli Roth did had elements of horror and some kind of super gruesome scenes; highly respectable he changed things up. Great story about a haunted house among other things and still watchable for kids. Unfortunate how it's only got 6.0 on IMDb it deserves a lot better.
"You'll see, things are quite different here."
classicsoncall26 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Seems like the target audience here is somewhat of a narrow window. I like fantasy elements in a film, but this isn't really a movie for adults and it's not for young kids either. So we're probably talking about a teen audience that would get the most entertainment value out of it. Even so, there are some cautious elements one might be advised to consider, like demons, pentagrams, black magic and such. Purely from an adult point of view, it was the banter between Jack Black's character and Kate Blanchett's Florence Zimmerman that appealed to me most. They carried on with the kind of non-threatening insults good natured folks throw at each other without becoming offended. The other principal character is ten year old Lewis Barnevelt (Owen Vaccaro), left parentless due to an automobile accident, and winding up in the care of his Uncle Jonathan (Black). Jonthan's huge and eerie house is located in New Zebedee, Michigan, a fictional town based on that of author John Bellairs' own home town of Marshall.
Almost immediately, young Lewis is fascinated by the idea that his uncle is a warlock and his neighbor Florence is a witch in good standing. Lewis begins to dabble in minor aspects of sorcery and tries out some harmless tricks on school mates without their awareness. One friend however, Tarby Corrigan (Sunny Suljic), dismisses Lewis's advice from his uncle to refrain from opening a certain door in the old house to examine what's inside. That is a certain precursor to the events that will unfold, revealing a curse placed on the old house by it's previous owner and magician partner of Uncle Jonathan. Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan), upon his death, left behind a clock hidden in it's walls, ticking it's way backward in time that will eventually erase all history before starting over again.
The elements in the story that will most appeal to young viewers are visual ones by far. The grossest would be the gas expelling flying shrub that looks like a mythical griffin, but with animal parts reversed. A manticore has a lion's body and the wings of an eagle, but with a human face, so the creature here was more of a mixed bag. The exploding pumpkin scenario is continued for maximum effect in the latter part of the story as things come to a head and the Izard curse is dealt with and finally put to rest. One of the things I got a kick out of earlier was when Lewis used an Ovaltine secret decoder ring to unravel a cryptic message. Fortunately, his message was a lot more apropos that the one that upset poor Ralphie in "A Christmas Story". His simply said, 'Drink More Ovaltine'.
Almost immediately, young Lewis is fascinated by the idea that his uncle is a warlock and his neighbor Florence is a witch in good standing. Lewis begins to dabble in minor aspects of sorcery and tries out some harmless tricks on school mates without their awareness. One friend however, Tarby Corrigan (Sunny Suljic), dismisses Lewis's advice from his uncle to refrain from opening a certain door in the old house to examine what's inside. That is a certain precursor to the events that will unfold, revealing a curse placed on the old house by it's previous owner and magician partner of Uncle Jonathan. Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan), upon his death, left behind a clock hidden in it's walls, ticking it's way backward in time that will eventually erase all history before starting over again.
The elements in the story that will most appeal to young viewers are visual ones by far. The grossest would be the gas expelling flying shrub that looks like a mythical griffin, but with animal parts reversed. A manticore has a lion's body and the wings of an eagle, but with a human face, so the creature here was more of a mixed bag. The exploding pumpkin scenario is continued for maximum effect in the latter part of the story as things come to a head and the Izard curse is dealt with and finally put to rest. One of the things I got a kick out of earlier was when Lewis used an Ovaltine secret decoder ring to unravel a cryptic message. Fortunately, his message was a lot more apropos that the one that upset poor Ralphie in "A Christmas Story". His simply said, 'Drink More Ovaltine'.
Tame horror, great pumpkins.
JohnDeSando19 September 2018
My knowledge of kids' fantasy horror stories ranges from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to Something Wicked This Way Comes to Goosebumps, to Harry Potter, all a bit odd, none too horrible. However, a heavy dose of that eccentric comes with the newest children's fantasy, The House with a Clock in Its Walls. The nerdiest kids should like this film; the normal maybe not so much because it lacks heavy horror!
Young orphan Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) goes to stay with his Uncle, Jonathan (Jack Black) and neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchette). So far so good except the adults are witch and warlock and the boy precocious and eccentric. As Jonathan learns the basics of magic (not the benign Harry Potter stuff), he also learns that the dead magician Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan) has tricked out his sumptuous Victorian mansion with a doomsday clock, whose discovery now is essential for mankind's survival and whose location must be found.
It is too convoluted a story to recount except that Lewis learns about necromancy and indomitability along with a bushel of new words fitting an emerging intellectual magician, albeit strange to his classmates. Lamentably, most of the horror tropes are broad and tame. A lion defecating on the nearest boy, however, should please the younger audience.
Youngsters may squirm at raising the dead while teens can easily survive that Halloween staple. Adults will be amused although disappointed at how little the comely Blanchette is used and how little humor the too-often serious Black is in a role made to order for his goofiness. Together, however, they are a comedy team worth noting. Good chemistry.
The magic of Harry Potter is not here while some of its charm resides with Lewis and the gifted witch, Mrs. Zimmerman. Along the way the film makes points about the destructiveness of wars and offers oddly funny set pieces such as when, for example, Blanchette head butts a pumpkin.
Audiences will magically or not flock to this unusually low-key horror treat. Just don't think about that lion.
Young orphan Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) goes to stay with his Uncle, Jonathan (Jack Black) and neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchette). So far so good except the adults are witch and warlock and the boy precocious and eccentric. As Jonathan learns the basics of magic (not the benign Harry Potter stuff), he also learns that the dead magician Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan) has tricked out his sumptuous Victorian mansion with a doomsday clock, whose discovery now is essential for mankind's survival and whose location must be found.
It is too convoluted a story to recount except that Lewis learns about necromancy and indomitability along with a bushel of new words fitting an emerging intellectual magician, albeit strange to his classmates. Lamentably, most of the horror tropes are broad and tame. A lion defecating on the nearest boy, however, should please the younger audience.
Youngsters may squirm at raising the dead while teens can easily survive that Halloween staple. Adults will be amused although disappointed at how little the comely Blanchette is used and how little humor the too-often serious Black is in a role made to order for his goofiness. Together, however, they are a comedy team worth noting. Good chemistry.
The magic of Harry Potter is not here while some of its charm resides with Lewis and the gifted witch, Mrs. Zimmerman. Along the way the film makes points about the destructiveness of wars and offers oddly funny set pieces such as when, for example, Blanchette head butts a pumpkin.
Audiences will magically or not flock to this unusually low-key horror treat. Just don't think about that lion.
Another classic ruined!
frogmanethan27 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
GOOD GAWD WAS THIS TRASH!!! If you love the book do not see this movie! Eli Roth screwed this up so badly that it is almost unrecognizable as John Bellaires's masterpiece. Go read the book, read it to your kids, but do not watch this sorry excuse for a film.
Great fantasy fun for all the family
Fudge-319 September 2018
Young orphan Lewis moves into a creepy house with an uncle he's never known. Uncle Jonathon is relaxed around setting rules for Lewis but why does he keep so many clocks? Why does he carry an axe at night? Mysterious things start to happen and soon the least of Lewis' problems will be fitting in at a new school.
Jack Black casts his movie magic over this yarn to bring us another jewel of great family entertainment. The House with a Clock in Its Walls is fun throughout. Cate Blanchett plays the straight-man to Jack's buffoon and the banter between them is superb. Owen Vaccaro does the new boy in school and the eager apprentice really well. The awkward sobbing-over-his-parent's-death scene could have been cut; we didn't need it. I trust we'll see a lot more of Owen, hopefully in the same character too. The story is not going to surprise or shock anyone but it serves well enough as the canvas for some great characters, good CGI and nice action.
Everyone will enjoy this movie, even those who can't sit still for ten minutes.
Originally penned to be released around September 20th the film actually had multiple screenings per day (at least in the UK) on the 15th and 16th. There are twelve books in the Lewis Barnavelt series written between 1973 and 2008. The first three books are the best but all of them are set in the 1950s so if Amblin are going to make any more the producers need to get a move on before Owen grows up.
Everyone will enjoy this movie, even those who can't sit still for ten minutes.
Originally penned to be released around September 20th the film actually had multiple screenings per day (at least in the UK) on the 15th and 16th. There are twelve books in the Lewis Barnavelt series written between 1973 and 2008. The first three books are the best but all of them are set in the 1950s so if Amblin are going to make any more the producers need to get a move on before Owen grows up.
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