The House with a Clock in Its Walls Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Orphaned kid moves in with his weirdo uncle, accidentally resurrects an evil wizard, and has to stop a doomsday clock… because why not?

🍿 The House with a Clock in Its Walls: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Orphaned and Arriving at Uncle Jonathan’s

In 1955, young Lewis Barnavelt, recently orphaned, is sent to live with his eccentric Uncle Jonathan in New Zebedee, Michigan. Jonathan’s house is filled with peculiar objects and a constant ticking sound, immediately piquing Lewis’s curiosity. He soon meets Florence Zimmerman, Jonathan’s witty and powerful witch neighbor.

Discovering Magic and the House’s Secret

Lewis discovers that his uncle is a warlock and Florence is a witch, and that the strange house is filled with magic. The ticking sound, he learns, is from a hidden clock created by the evil warlock Isaac Izard, designed to count down to the end of the world. Jonathan and Florence are trying to find the clock to stop it.

Learning Magic and a Forbidden Spell

Jonathan begins teaching Lewis magic, emphasizing the importance of finding his own unique magical style. Lewis struggles to fit in at school, and when he is rejected by his new friend Tarby, he resorts to a forbidden spell from a restricted book to resurrect the dead, inadvertently bringing Isaac Izard back to life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro): A young orphan who discovers his uncle is a warlock and becomes involved in a magical quest to stop a doomsday clock.
• Jonathan Barnavelt (Jack Black): Lewis’s eccentric warlock uncle who tries to protect him from the dangers of magic while searching for the hidden clock.
• Florence Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett): A powerful and witty witch who is Jonathan’s neighbor and close friend, assisting in the fight against dark magic.
• Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan): The evil warlock who created the doomsday clock and seeks to reverse time to erase humanity.
• Selena Izard (Renée Elise Goldsberry): Isaac’s equally wicked wife who aids him in his plan to destroy humanity through dark magic.
• Tarby Corrigan (Sunny Suljic): Lewis’s initial friend at school who is manipulated into helping resurrect Isaac Izard.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jonathan Barnavelt: “I don’t know about you, but I intend to be bold, be brave, and be brilliant!” – Jonathan says this to Lewis, trying to inspire confidence as they face danger.
• Florence Zimmerman: “Insults are for the weak. Compliments are for the strong.” – Florence states this while trading barbs with Jonathan, showcasing their playful dynamic.
• Lewis Barnavelt: “Magic is real. I’ve seen it.” – Lewis says this with conviction after experiencing the magic in Jonathan’s house.
• Isaac Izard: “Why should only bad people have power?” – Isaac explains his motivation for using dark magic, revealing his warped worldview.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $42,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $68,549,695
• Worldwide Gross: $131,523,093

💥 The House with a Clock in Its Walls Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a fun, spooky ride, and while it had its moments, I was left wanting more. Jack Black and Cate Blanchett have great chemistry, and the set design is fantastic, really capturing that gothic, magical atmosphere. There were a few genuinely creepy scenes, especially with the dolls, but the story felt a little rushed, and some of the CGI wasn’t the best. Still, it’s a decent family movie night choice, and I appreciated the underlying message about dealing with grief and loss.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of fantasy and magic movies”
  • “Families looking for a slightly spooky but ultimately heartwarming film”
  • “Viewers who enjoy Jack Black and Cate Blanchett’s performances”
  • “People interested in movies set in the 1950s with a touch of the supernatural”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Scary images and themes involving the occult and demons”
  • “Some scenes may be too intense for very young or sensitive children”
  • “Brief moments of rude humor”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While the film boasts impressive visuals and a charming performance from Cate Blanchett, it ultimately lacks the genuine spark and scares to fully captivate either children or adults. It’s a decent family film, but not a memorable one.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The film features a great cast in a spooky setting, but the scares are too tame for horror fans, and the humor might not land with everyone. Jack Black is entertaining, but the overall story feels underdeveloped and rushed.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “This PG-rated film is a great option for older kids and tweens, but the plot and themes involving loss and war could be too scary for younger children. Ultimately, it’s an ambitious film that bites off a bit more than it can chew.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Jack Black and Cate Blanchett was amazing!: Viewers loved the humor and banter between the adult leads.

The house itself was like another character; so atmospheric and cool!: The gothic, magical setting was a big hit with audiences.

Overall Consensus: A visually appealing family film with charming leads, but the story and scares might not fully satisfy all viewers. It’s a decent, but not exceptional, magical adventure.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1973 novel of the same name by John Bellairs, and it’s the first book in the Lewis Barnavelt series.”
• “Director Eli Roth, known for his horror films, aimed to create a family-friendly movie that still retained some spooky elements.”
• “The Universal Pictures logo at the beginning plays backwards, a nod to the time-bending themes of the film and the magical clock.”

🖥️ How to Watch The House with a Clock in Its Walls?

The House with a Clock in Its Walls is available to stream on platforms like Prime Video with a subscription or for purchase. You can also find it on Apple TV for rental or digital purchase. Check local listings for TV airings, and physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) are widely available at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The House with a Clock in Its Walls, you might like these similar films:

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001): A young orphan discovers a world of magic and attends a school to learn witchcraft and wizardry, dealing with dark forces.
• Goosebumps (2015): Teens confront monsters and creatures escaping from books, combining humor and horror elements.
• The Witches (1990): A young boy uncovers a convention of witches plotting to turn children into mice.
• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016): A group of children with special abilities live in a hidden home, facing dangers from outside forces.

🛒 The House with a Clock in Its Walls Related Products

• The House with a Clock in Its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt Series): Immerse yourself in the original book series by John Bellairs that inspired the movie. Delve deeper into the characters and mysteries of New Zebedee, Michigan.
• Funko Pop! Movies: The House with a Clock in Its Walls – Jonathan: Add Jonathan Barnavelt to your Funko Pop! collection. This detailed figure captures Jack Black’s whimsical warlock character.
• The House with a Clock in Its Walls [Blu-ray]: Own the movie on Blu-ray and experience the magic, mystery, and scares in stunning high definition. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• The House with a Clock in Its Walls – ‘This House Knows What Makes You Tick’ Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster. This poster is a great way to decorate your room or home theater, showing your love for the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

The House with a Clock in Its Walls features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hey Lolly Lolly” – performed by Oscar McLollie & His Honeyjumpers
• “Main Titles” – performed by Nathan Barr
• “The Black Forest” – performed by Nathan Barr

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“You fell in a gopher hole!”: Cate Blanchett & Jack Black answer stupid questions

Ever wondered what kind of silly questions Cate Blanchett and Jack Black get asked? Watch them hilariously dodge some bizarre inquiries while promoting ‘The House With A Clock In Its Walls’ – their reactions are priceless!

We Watched Jack Black’s WORST Movie | Wizards Watch

Think ‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls’ is a masterpiece? These guys might change your mind! They hilariously dissect the movie, pointing out the ridiculous moments and making you laugh along the way. It’s a fun watch, even if you love the film!

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