It’s always strange when you see a director go outside their wheelhouse. Eli Roth has been a staple of horror films for some time, having crafted “torture porn” with his Hostel series last decade. Horror directors also tend to stay in their lane, so to speak, more than any other genre. So, seeing “Directed by Eli Roth” for a children’s film with Jack Black is definitely a departure from the norm.
The House with a Clock in its Walls bears all his signature style, visually, and wound up being his most successful film at the box office.
Simple premise. Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) is forced to live with his uncle (Jack Black). His uncle is a warlock with a peculiar house; it has a clock counting down to something no one knows. Shenanigans ensue.
If you’re under 12 this is your film. It’s childish, Jack Black hams it up, Cate Blanchett digs into a genre role and all sorts of magic ensues. If you’re over 12 it’ll be a useful distraction for your children.
It’s a simple dividing line; it’s the perfect sort of “throw it on and do something else” while the children watch film.
There’s a number of extras that provide context to the film that are well worth viewing.
Universal presents The House with a Clock in its Walls. Directed by Eli Roth. Written by Eric Kripke, based on the novel by John Bellairs. Starring Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro, Kyle MacLachlan, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Sunny Suljic. Run Time: 105 minutes. Rated PG. Released on DVD:
