Do You Hear the Ticking?

The House with a Clock In Its Walls

Directed By: Eli Roth

Grade: B+

I’m going to be completely honest here. I literally could have watched two hours of Jack Black and Cate Blanchett snarking at each other and I would have enjoyed it. The actual movie is about a young orphan Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) who goes to live with his Uncle in a wild house full of secrets. Blanchett plays Mrs. Zimmerman Uncle Jonathan’s friend and neighbor.

The acting the atmosphere and the look of the movie are really cool. For the most part the effects were cool as well. I was even impressed by Vaccaro who really goes for it. Cate Blanchett is Cate Blanchett and Jack Black has just been on top of his game in this and Jumanji.

There are some bits in this film that kind of creeped me out. The dolls and mannequins for one. Adults heads on babies/ kids bodies creeped me out in Deadpool 2 and here as well. Also there’s some mention of blood magic I mean a couple of times here and there I was thinking is this movie really for kids. But then I figure that stuff would go over their heads so it walks a nice line.

It’s also got a nice message of accepting your difference and making a family where you can with people who love and care about you.

 

I will say that when we started getting to the mystery behind the clock I thought it got a little convoluted going off the rails. Also there the CGI definitely exploded toward the end and not always as beautifully as some shots. But still its an interesting well-acted film and I had fun with it.

Recommend: Yes. It’s a nice Halloween flick for the kids as well but despite that I don’t think you need to rush out and see it in theaters.