The House With a Clock in Its Walls emerged as a collaboration between Eric Kripke, one of the writers of The Boys, and Eli Roth, the director of Hostel, and no one expected such a project to be a dark fantasy film designed for children. This film, which is a standalone adaptation of a novel from 2018, combines horror and mystery genres in a Goosebumps-like manner, balancing dark elements that appeal to young viewers with the fantasy of a Chosen One.

In the film, young Lewis (Owen Vaccaro), who recently lost his parents, starts a new school to live with his eccentric uncle Jonathan (Jack Black). With the help of his uncle and their neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett), Lewis begins to discover his powers as a wizard and starts working with them to find a mysterious clock hidden within the walls of his uncle's house. Characterized by his trendy sunglasses and bow tie, Lewis becomes a favorite among viewers throughout this adventure.

On the surface, the film is striking with its magnificent visuals and fantastical elements. Uncle Jonathan's mansion is filled with golden automaton figures, textured drapes, and constantly changing stained glass windows; all designed in a steampunk style reminiscent of a warmer version of His Dark Materials. The film progresses through themes of experiencing the coming-of-age, defeating bullies, and the dangers of breaking the rules, which will undoubtedly attract most teenage viewers. For adults, the nostalgic feeling of watching young Lewis vibrate with a magic 8-ball adds to the film's charm.

However, in this chaotic fantasy world, there are dark traces that make the film a perfect gateway for children. Like Goosebumps, while the visuals are a feast for the eyes, more unsettling elements like a talking pumpkin and a forbidden closet subtly introduce the film's lightly creepy horror themes. In fact, the dozens of clocks ticking within the mansion's walls give the audience the feeling that nothing is quite as it seems. When Lewis's mother's spirit warns him not to trust anyone, the atmosphere turns paranoid and sinister, transforming what initially appears to be a curious house into a sentient, fearful one.

What brings together the film's light and dark sides is Jack Black's vibrant and comedic performance; this performance often turns into a manic character that can be unsettling. Just like the house, Uncle Jonathan appears bright and quirky, as if he came with magical furniture, but gradually becomes someone untrustworthy due to his obsession with Lewis's developing abilities. Black's characteristic delivery beautifully matches the frenetic energy in the air, pulling back just enough in The House With a Clock in Its Walls that we don't fully trust him. Black once again plays characters that bring enough smiles to make familiar scenes feel fresh.

The House With a Clock in Its Walls is certainly an unexpected offering from the Kripke and Roth collaboration, but it is a magnificent and sincere collection that remains true to the magical elements of childhood on its own. While Black's characteristic performance keeps us smiling throughout the film, it becomes easy to get lost in the dazzling beauty and dark edges of the set design; all of which comes with familiar beats of the classic Chosen One story.