The House with a Clock in its Walls
WHAT a strange title and what a strange but enjoyable movie.
The immersion by young Lewis Barnavelt – Owen Vaccaro – into the supernatural world of his uncle, a decidedly eccentric Jonathan – Jack Black – is a weird and wonderful thing.
Lewis arrives in New Zebedee, Michigan after the death of his parents.
His only option is to live with uncle Jonathan and so experience a world that is like nothing he’s seen before.
He’s confronted on arrival with Jonathan’s neighbour Mrs Zimmerman – Cate Blanchett , a decidedly odd but svelte creature who seems to develop a liking for him.
It’s not long before Lewis gets quite excited about the mysterious world of his warlock uncle and is eager to be trained in the art of magic.
Of course there’s a stipulation. He’s told by Jonathan that a locked chest must never be opened.
Forbidden fruit is such a temptation, and as a result dark forces are unleashed in the form of reincarnated Isaac Izard – Kyle MacLachlan - which could prove disastrous for the human race.
The design of the house is a triumph for designer Jon Hutman.
It’s an unlikely venture for director Eli Roth who made his name with horror movies like Hostel and Cabin Fever.
It’s an adaptation of John Bellairs’ young mystery novel from 1973, the first in a series, and it’s an original take on this story of a kid realizing that his own power can be a force for good.
Full credit to Cate Blanchett for inhabiting the enigmatic creature of Mrs, Zimmerman and also to Jack Black who gives Jonathan a delightful humanity with admirable restraint.
This unlikely pairing of talents works.
Ultimately, this is a story about a kid who wants to find a family, and he does, although it’s not necessarily a traditional one.
For fans of the Harry Potter series of films, The House With a Clock in Its Walls will be a welcome entertainment.
It has intrigue, excitement, a credible villain and lots of creative fun stuff.
It is a perfect family film.