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The House with a Clock in Its Walls
2018 105 min India, United States of America PG 12+
★6.1
Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Director: Eli Roth
🎭 Based on
«The House with a Clock in Its Walls»
byJohn Bellairs
Trailers
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EN
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Description
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.
Budget:
$42M
US Gross:
$68.55M
Worldwide:
$131.52M
Starring
Jack Black
Actor
Cate Blanchett
Actor
Owen Vaccaro
Actor
Awards
1 win & 1 nomination total
Key opinion
The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a divisive family fantasy that is often praised for its strong central performances but criticized for its inconsistent tone and uneven script. While many viewers appreciate the film's gothic atmosphere and visual design, others find the narrative structure lacking and the humor frustratingly crude.
| Acting | Jack Black and Cate Blanchett deliver charismatic and nuanced performances that anchor the film. | |
| Production | The production design, characterized by 1950s-styled sets and vivid costumes, effectively creates an immersive, fairy-tale aesthetic. | |
| Humor | The film attempts to blend horror and comedy for children, leading to disagreement over whether the tonal shift is charming or jarring. | |
| Screenplay | Critics and audiences are split on the narrative quality, with some finding the story enjoyable and others criticizing the plot for being underdeveloped and fragmented. | |
| Originality | The film's reliance on specific tropes leads to debates over its ingenuity; some view it as a fun homage to 80s fantasy, while others dismiss it as derivative. | |
| Direction | Opinions on Eli Roth's direction are polarized, ranging from praise for his ability to handle a family-friendly tone to harsh criticism of his overall technical execution. |