The House with a Clock in Its Walls: the review

         

The House with a Clock in Its Walls  (2018) is a fantasy horror/comedy directed by Eli Roth and starring Jack Black uncle Jonathan,Cate Blanchett as Florence (Jonathan’s neighbor and best friend) and the little actor Owen Vaccaro as the 10 years old protagonist, Lewis. The movie was released in the Us on 21/09 and after a worldwide marketing campaign, is now going to be realised everywhere. 

THE PLOT: We are in 1955, when Lewis, after a car crush that killed both of his parents, arrived at uncle’s Jonathan home. Before dying, his parents gave him an 8-ball and Lewis keeps his gift all the time. Jonathan’s house is wird because on the walls there are plenty of clocks. Jonathan lives in close relationsh with his neighbor Florence. Lewis starts to experience some magical powers and he is scared. He starts to go to school and a new friend of his tells to “keep an eye on the strange uncle”. Even Lewis’s mother appears in his dream to warn him. The boy seems in danger, and, throughout the story he will discover his uncle’s secret and the meaning of the clocks. All the subterranean powers are linked to the strange energy that flows in Lewis’ blood. 

THE ACTORS: Obviously this is a children’s movie, but Jack Black’s sympathy cross all the lines. The actor is entertaining and dictates the rhythm of the narration. Well done to the young actor Owen Vaccaro: with his facial expression and sensitivity he gives a great credibility to his character. What can we say about Cate Blanchett ? She’s as gthe pauses, the expression and the voice of a women, intelligently charming and seductive. 

THE EFFECTS: I really enjoyed the DGB colours that give modernity to a 1950 setting. The visual effects of magic are equilibrate and “storytellinggly” calm. The atmosphere is fantastic as the ones we saw in JK Rowiling Harry Potter’s. 

THE REVIEW: Couldn’t ask more from an horror/comedy movie. I enjoyed the story form 1’ to the end without falling asleep - as often occurs because the genre is not my favourite one. Director Roth has won a spot in the sun for “ Best animation”. VOTE:4/5

⭐️Ciak movie approved ! ⭐️

Micol Sartori