despite Cate Blanchett as a Charming Witch, Eli Roth's YA adaptation is a waste of time; This fast-paced, hyper-functional kind of storytelling doesn't allow for the depth of feeling it needs in order to work
a zany, immaculately designed kids adventure; as a family film in that vein it largely succeeds, buoyed by Black’s typical exuberance, Blanchett’s typical slyness..
a strained attempt at kid-friendly fantasy; Despite its special effects and two proven stars, "The House With a Clock in Its Walls" never manages to create the magic we keep hoping will materialize
"The House with a Clock in Its Walls" is not wildly original, but it feels slightly and quite pleasantly different. It's a throwback to an earlier era of filmmaking, in which the benefits of new technology are neatly disguised in old-school storytelling
"The House with a Clock in Its Walls" is like a mash-up of "Harry Potter", "The Addams Family", and the "Goosebumps" saga, but busier, noisier, and more exhausting. [But,] it's mostly giddy, ghouly fun
by Rafer Guzman [Newsday ]
by Brad Wheeler [Globe and Mail ]
by Jane Horwitz [Washington Post ]
