'The House with a Clock in Its Walls' Could Gain Cult Status Someday

The House with a Clock in Its Walls follows Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro), a recently orphaned ten-year-old boy who is taken in by his eccentric Uncle Jonathan (Jack Black).  Jonathan lives in an old, oddball mansion; and often visiting is his equally eccentric friend, Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett), whom he constantly trades banters with.  At night, a “tick tock” noise can be heard coming from somewhere in the house, but its source has never been discovered.  Later, Lewis learns that Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman are actually a warlock and a witch, respectively, very much capable of casting real magic.  Under their guidance, the eager Lewis slowly learns some magic himself.  However, when he disobeys a rule that his uncle has been serious in instructing him about, a magical evil related to the mysterious ticking of the house is unleashed.  And the combined power of Lewis, Uncle Jonathan, and Mrs. Zimmerman may not be enough to stop it.

This is exactly the type of children’s movie that I would have had developed a strong fondness for if I had seen it as a kid, whether in a theater or on cable.  But because it’s a movie released in the present, and I’m already an adult as I watch it, its impression doesn’t go beyond that of being a piece of decent entertainment.

It’s visually attractive.  The sound design is desirable.  The gorgeous production design for its 1950’s setting gives it a charming, Addams Family-esque atmosphere.  Jack Black and Cate Blanchett are fun to watch, and Owen Vaccaro is not annoying – the best you could hope for in a child actor (side note: one of the other child actors is the lead of Mid90s).  The plot lacks real complexities, but it functions sophisticatedly enough in the context of a children’s fantasy movie.  Much of the laughs rely on basic gags and juvenile toilet humor.  Put all these ingredients together, and the result is something that will be likely compelling for kids, but will only moderately please more developed tastes.

In summary, The House with a Clock in Its Walls is just fine.  It’s enjoyable, but unmemorable.  On the other hand, there’s a good chance that it will become a cult favorite among the younger audiences who will grow up with it.