Admittedly my expectations were pretty low for this one. Good news is, most of my expectations were exceeded. It should be noted that my expectations were low because, well, I'm an adult (barely) and its a kid's film, and I have no kids. That said, kid or no kids, fans of the macabre, of the unexplained, of the mystic arts will find this to be a fun experience.
What I hope will turn into a kid's classic (we need more kids loving horror films), The House with a Clock in Its Walls, is a story about 10-year-old Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) whom loses his parents and has to go live with his Uncle Jonathan (Jack Black). As soon as Lewis arrives, he can tell something is different about this house. Could it be evil? Or something magical? Equally as strange as the house, Lewis meets his Uncle Jonathan's platonic friend, Mrs. Zimmerman, played by two-time Academy Award winner, Cate Blanchett.
It turns out, something evil does lurk within the walls of Lewis' new home. But what? Or why? Are Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman being completely honest with Lewis?
While Act 2 is on shaky ground, The House with a Clock in Its Walls closes strong making it a fun film reminiscent of kid's flicks from the late 70's through most of the 80s. Hopefully it develops a following because it is a genuine, and infectiously fun film. Eli Roth continues to show he's a damn fine director in the horror community. Jump scares aplenty and effectively executed effects.
Grab some popcorn and watch it by yourself or with your kids. Either way, you won't be upset you gave it an hour and a half of your time.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls is in theaters now.
