The House with a Clock in Its Walls
The House with a Clock in Its Walls

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

2018Movie105 minEnglish

When ten-year-old Lewis is suddenly orphaned, he is sent to live with his Uncle Jonathan in a creaky (and creepy) old mansion with a mysterious ticking noise that emanates from the walls. Upon discovering that his uncle is a warlock, Lewis begins learning magic, but when he rebelliously resurrects an evil warlock he must find the secret of the house and save the world from destruction.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users67%
Director: Eli RothGenres: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Family, Mystery

Plot Summary

After his parents' death, young Lewis Barnavelt goes to live with his eccentric uncle Jonathan in a mysterious old house. He soon discovers that his uncle and his neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both warlocks and witches. Lewis also learns that the house contains a hidden clock, placed there by a wicked warlock named Isaac Izard, which is counting down to the end of the world. Lewis must learn to use his own budding magical abilities to help his uncle and Mrs. Zimmermann stop the clock before it's too late.

Critical Reception

The House with a Clock in Its Walls received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its visual effects, humor, and performances, particularly from Jack Black and Cate Blanchett. However, some found the plot to be predictable and the horror elements inconsistent for a family film.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charming lead performances and whimsical visuals.
  • Appreciated for its blend of humor and fantasy, making it a family-friendly spectacle.
  • Criticized by some for a familiar story structure and uneven pacing between comedy and scares.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's visual flair and the dynamic between Jack Black and Cate Blanchett. Many found it a fun and engaging watch for families, although some noted it leaned more towards adventure than genuine fright.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the 1973 gothic, mystery novel of the same name by John Bellairs, which was the first in a series of twelve books.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**Fantasy and light horror are relatively in harmony, even if this is problematic for a lot of people.** I saw this movie recently and I really liked it. It's nothing original, it does what others have done equally well, but manages to e...
donovanhill27

donovanhill27

I was surprise about how much I enjoy this film. Jack Black and Cate Blanchett are great together in this film. The film felt like a 80s kids horror film. I would love to see more films with these characters. There are a few poop jokes whic...
Gimly

Gimly

There was a couple of instances over the course of _The House with a Clock in Its Walls_, particularly early on, that had my hopes up, but by the end? God I was so disappointed. The lead is not a great actor (often a trouble when you have t...