The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Movie guide

The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

  • Comedy
  • Family
  • Fantasy
  • Horror
  • Mystery
6.3/10 Drama4U Score · from 2,386 TMDB votes · How the score works

The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018): plot, cast led by Jack Black and Cate Blanchett, review score, and where to watch in the Philippines.

Plot: What Is The House with a Clock in Its Walls About?

Set in the 1950s, the story follows Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro), a young boy who has lost his parents and moves in with his Uncle Jonathan (Jack Black). Jonathan lives in an old, eerie mansion full of odd corners and secret passageways. From inside its walls comes a steady ticking that no one seems able to explain.

Lewis soon learns that his uncle is no ordinary relative. Jonathan is a warlock, and his house runs on magic. Lewis is eager to learn spells of his own. As he does, he discovers that the ticking clock is connected to something far more dangerous than a quirky family secret. With help from Florence Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett), Lewis and his uncle must work out what the house is hiding before its secret causes real harm.

The film’s tagline sums up the mood: “This house knows what makes you tick.” It is a Halloween-flavoured adventure that mixes spooky atmosphere with family warmth and humour.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls — Mood illustration, not a still from the film
Mood illustration, not a still from the film

Review Snapshot: What Makes It Notable

  • Director with a horror background: Eli Roth, best known for darker genre work, directs this time for a family audience. That gives the film a genuinely creepy edge alongside its comedy.
  • Star-studded cast: Jack Black and Cate Blanchett lead the film as Jonathan Barnavelt and Florence Zimmerman. Owen Vaccaro plays Lewis, and Kyle MacLachlan appears as Isaac Izard. The supporting cast includes Renée Elise Goldsberry (Selena Izard), Colleen Camp (Mrs. Hanchett), Sunny Suljic (Tarby Corrigan), Lorenza Izzo, Braxton Bjerken and Vanessa Anne Williams.
  • Screenplay and source: Eric Kripke wrote the script, which is based on a novel.
  • Production: Amblin Entertainment produced the film with Mythology Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment. It is a US–India co-production, made in English.
  • Genre blend: The film combines comedy, family, fantasy, horror and mystery. Its ingredients include haunted-house chills, pumpkins, magicians and a 1950s setting.
  • Audience reception: On TMDB, the film holds an average audience score of 6.25/10 from more than 2,300 votes.

Who Will Enjoy It

  • Families looking for a not-too-scary Halloween movie night
  • Kids and tweens who like magic, mysteries and haunted houses
  • Fans of Jack Black’s comedic energy and Cate Blanchett’s screen presence
  • Viewers who enjoy retro, 1950s-set fantasy adventures
  • Horror fans curious to see Eli Roth working in a lighter, family-friendly register

Release Date & Where to Watch in the Philippines

The House with a Clock in Its Walls first premiered on 15 September 2018. A specific Philippine release date has not been announced in the available information. The film has, however, already been released.

In the Philippines, you can rent or buy the movie on the Apple TV Store. It is not currently listed on a subscription streaming service in the country. The runtime is 105 minutes, and a trailer is available if you want a preview before watching.

Trailer

Cast

  • Jack BlackJack Blackas Jonathan Barnavelt
  • Cate BlanchettCate Blanchettas Florence Zimmerman
  • Owen VaccaroOwen Vaccaroas Lewis Barnavelt
  • Kyle MacLachlanKyle MacLachlanas Isaac Izard
  • Renée Elise GoldsberryRenée Elise Goldsberryas Selena Izard
  • Colleen CampColleen Campas Mrs. HanchettSee credits →
  • Sunny SuljicSunny Suljicas Tarby Corrigan
  • Lorenza IzzoLorenza Izzoas Mother

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

What is the release date of The House with a Clock in Its Walls in the Philippines?
The film first premiered on 15 September 2018. A specific Philippine release date has not been announced in the available information, but the movie is already out and available to watch.
Where can I watch The House with a Clock in Its Walls in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, you can rent or buy the film on the Apple TV Store.
Who is in the cast of The House with a Clock in Its Walls?
Jack Black plays Jonathan Barnavelt, Cate Blanchett plays Florence Zimmerman and Owen Vaccaro plays Lewis Barnavelt. Kyle MacLachlan, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Colleen Camp and Sunny Suljic also appear.
How long is The House with a Clock in Its Walls?
The movie runs for 105 minutes.
What are the reviews like for The House with a Clock in Its Walls?
On TMDB, the film has an average audience score of 6.25 out of 10, based on more than 2,300 votes.

Sources

  1. TMDB
  2. IMDb

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