The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

Release Date:

2018

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 45m

The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

In The House with a Clock in Its Walls, young Lewis Barnavelt moves in with his eccentric Uncle Jonathan in a creaky old house. Lewis soon discovers that his uncle is a warlock, and the house is filled with hidden magic. The pair, along with their neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman, embark on a quest to locate a mysterious clock hidden within the walls of the house. This clock was left by the previous owner, a sinister warlock named Isaac Izard, and it holds the power to bring about the end of the world. As Lewis learns more about magic, he must help his uncle and Mrs. Zimmerman stop the clock before it's too late. The movie is filled with magical adventures and mysterious discoveries, making it an exciting watch for kids and teens.

IMDb
6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
65%
Metacritic
57/100

Where To Watch: The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Parental Feedback

The House with a Clock in Its Walls, released in 2018, is a fantasy adventure film aimed at kids, blending elements of magic and mystery. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its whimsical and imaginative storyline, though some express concerns about its darker themes. Overall, it offers a mix of humor and suspense that keeps young audiences engaged, with most parents finding it a delightful watch for children.

Why Kids Should Watch The House with a Clock in Its Walls

The movie is praised for its engaging storyline and positive messages.

  • Promotes the value of friendship and courage.
  • Features a strong performance by the young protagonist, who learns to overcome fears.
  • Offers visually captivating scenes that spark imagination.
  • Includes humor that appeals to both kids and adults.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Some parents are concerned about the film's darker elements and intense scenes.

  • Contains themes of loss and fear that might be unsettling for younger children.
  • Includes scenes with magical violence that could be frightening.
  • Some visual effects may be too intense for sensitive viewers.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker themes and intense scenes.

What Parents Should Know About The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The protagonist learns the importance of bravery and friendship, which are central to the story.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The theme of dealing with loss and fear is present and may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Characters face consequences for their actions, reinforcing the importance of making good choices.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The film highlights teamwork and collaboration as the characters work together to solve problems.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about overcoming fears and the power of friendship, delivered through the protagonist's journey.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The House with a Clock in Its Walls is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and positive messages about courage and friendship. While some parents note the darker themes and intense scenes, these elements can be navigated with parental guidance. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For families seeking similar adventures, movies like Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia may also be enjoyable options.

Official The House with a Clock in Its Walls Trailer

The Core Values Learned From The House with a Clock in Its Walls

The House with a Clock in Its Walls's most common core values include Courage, Curiosity, and Friendship. Courage is showcased as Lewis faces his fears and steps into a world of Magic, learning to stand up for himself and others. His journey is filled with moments where he must be brave, especially when confronting the unknown. Curiosity drives the story forward, as Lewis's inquisitive nature leads him to uncover secrets hidden within the house, sparking his Imagination and desire to learn more about magic.

Friendship is a key element, as Lewis forms a bond with his uncle and their neighbor, Mrs. Zimmerman. This connection helps him feel accepted and supported, showing kids the importance of having friends who encourage and stand by them during challenging times.

Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Adaptability | Being brave | Building confidence. | Dealing with fear | Determination | Emotional growth | Imagination | Independence | Perseverance | Problem-solving | Resilience | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Trust | Trying new things

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Facing Fears Head-On: In the house with a clock in its walls, kids learn the importance of facing fears head-on through Lewis's journey. As he encounters various magical challenges, he must confront his fears to help his uncle and Mrs. Zimmerman. This teaches children that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the courage to face it.

Believing in Yourself: Lewis's adventure emphasizes the lesson of believing in yourself. Despite feeling out of place and unsure of his abilities, he learns to trust in his unique talents. This encourages kids to have confidence in themselves, even when they feel different or unsure.

Building Friendships: The movie highlights the value of building friendships as Lewis forms bonds with his uncle and Mrs. Zimmerman. Their teamwork and support for one another show children the importance of having friends who stand by you and help you through tough times.

Discovering Hidden Strengths: Throughout the story, Lewis discovers hidden strengths he didn't know he had. This lesson teaches kids that they may possess abilities and qualities that can help them overcome obstacles, encouraging them to explore and develop their potential.

Embracing Your Weirdness: Lewis learns to embrace his weirdness, realizing that his quirks and differences are what make him special. This lesson encourages children to accept and celebrate their individuality, rather than trying to fit in with everyone else.

Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Fear | Accepting Yourself | Choosing Right Over Easy | Coping with Change | Learning from Mistakes | Letting Go of the Past | Making a Difference | Moving Forward After Setbacks | Practicing Empathy | Supporting Your Friends | Trusting Intuition | Valuing Imagination | Working as a Team

Why Kids Love The House with a Clock in Its Walls

In "The House with a Clock in Its Walls," kids are drawn into a world of magic and mystery, where every corner of the creaky old house holds a new surprise. The mischievous antics of Lewis and his magical mentors, Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman, create a fun and exciting atmosphere. The movie is filled with creepy creatures and friendly ghosts that add a spooky yet thrilling vibe, perfect for those who love a good scare.

As Lewis embarks on secret missions and epic quests, kids are captivated by the idea of solving mysteries and saving the day. The unexpected friendships and teamwork between the characters make the adventure even more engaging. With its mix of humor, magic, and suspense, the film offers a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps kids on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next.