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House with a Clock in its Walls, The (12A)

Horror, Fantasy

Fantasy adventure film in which an orphaned boy must help his warlock uncle uncover the mystery of the ticking clock hidden in his gothic mansion.


The critical consensus

A solid creepshow for (older) kids, which channels the visual appeal of ’80s Amblin adventures while lacking their storytelling panache.

***(*)(*)Dan Jolin, Empire Online, 18/09/2018

An engaging new direction for Eli Roth, who offsets the odd tonal hiccup with plenty of ghoulish delights.

***(*)(*)Josh Winning, Total Film, 18/09/2018

Eli Roth takes the helm of this atmospheric yet insufficiently charming kids' horror adaptation.

***(*)(*)Katherine McLaughlin, The List, 19/09/2018

Jack Black and Cate Blanchett star in this uninspiring tale of a lonely, recently orphaned boy with supernatural skills.

**(*)(*)(*)Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 19/09/2018

Roth keeps matters light but still succeeds in giving the audience a few jolts.

***(*)(*)Geoffrey Macnab, The Independent, 20/09/2018

Too much of the narrative falls back on plot twists that come out of nowhere for us to care much about the fate of its characters.

**(*)(*)(*)Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman, 20/09/2018

Nostalgic, but smart on nostalgia’s dangerous extremes.

Anton Bitel, Little White Lies, 21/09/2018

Where and when?

General release. Check local listings for show times.

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