Review of The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) by Bradley J — 22 Sep 2018
With the atmosphere of classic Amblin features, The House with a Clock in its Walls is simultaneously not as bad as it could have been and also not nearly as magical as it suggests. Hampered with far too many plot holes, even for a kids film, and plot points telgraphed far too predictably in advance, the films mysteries that compose the first half, reveal themselves all too awkwardly in clunky expositional monologues, albeit well delivered ones by Cate Blanchett and Jack Black.
There's some nice old-fashioned Halloween fun to be had, but the sense of joy is missing, and the frights aren't daring enough. Yes, I recognize this is a kids film, but 2015's Goosebumps nicely balanced the horror with the family friendly tone, while the choppily edited House, can't find the right tone.
Still, it will undeniably get the family in the Halloween spirit. Rating: 55.
This review of The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) was written by Bradley J on 22 Sep 2018.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls has generally received mixed reviews.
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