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Our take
A grieving boy moves into a creaky house and learns magic from his uncle. The House with a Clock in Its Walls has warmth and jokes, but its second half brings an undead villain, creepy objects and stronger jump scares than the early scenes suggest. Bullying and the loss of his parents add to the weight. We would start around 10.
Uplifting themes
The film shows that courage, loyalty, and kindness count for more than being popular. It also reminds viewers that power comes with responsibility and that a chosen family can heal old hurts Lewis's uncle and the neighbour are warm, funny, and patient with a grieving child, and they own up to their own mistakes. Lewis himself is brave and loyal, though he is also quick to break rules to fit in Lewis loves reading, puzzles, and facts, and the film shows curiosity as a strength. There is little real-world learning beyond that, but it can start a talk about books and curiosity
Story (may spoil tone)
When ten-year-old Lewis is suddenly orphaned, he is sent to live with his Uncle Jonathan in a creaky (and creepy) old mansion with a mysterious ticking noise that emanates from the walls. Upon discovering that his uncle is a warlock, Lewis begins learning magic, but when he rebelliously resurrects an evil warlock he must find the secret of the house and save the world from destruction.
Details
Violence Violence is mostly magical, with objects flung around, a few crashes an…
Violence is mostly magical, with objects flung around, a few crashes and blasts, and a villain who attacks the heroes with spells. A classmate also shoves Lewis, but there is little impact or injury
Language Language stays mild, with a few uses of hell and damn and some name-cal…
Language stays mild, with a few uses of hell and damn and some name-calling like idiot. It comes up in tense moments and arguments, and not often
Frightening Jump scares are common, and the second half turns darker with creepy li…
Jump scares are common, and the second half turns darker with creepy living objects, a decaying undead villain, and a demon-mouthed fireplace. One long disguise scene has a head and neck that shift and crack, and the final showdown has loud chases
Child peril / abuse Lewis is hunted by the villain's creatures and put in real danger durin…
Lewis is hunted by the villain's creatures and put in real danger during the final act. He is always rescued, but a child being threatened by a powerful adult can feel scary for a young viewer
Bullying / discrimination Lewis is picked on at school for being bookish and the way he dresses,…
Lewis is picked on at school for being bookish and the way he dresses, and a classmate shoves him around. It is a small part of the story and the cruelty is mild, but the loneliness behind it is clear
Gore / death / weapons Characters prick or cut their hands for blood spells on three occasions…
Characters prick or cut their hands for blood spells on three occasions, and the villain's body looks rotted and decayed. Nothing is gory, though the decaying look is meant to unsettle
Dangerous behaviour Lewis sneaks into a forbidden room and tries a spell he was told to lea…
Lewis sneaks into a forbidden room and tries a spell he was told to leave alone, and the consequences are big. Blood is also used to cast spells, though the film makes clear the sneaking was a mistake
Grief / bereavement Lewis arrives at his uncle's house after both of his parents have died.…
Lewis arrives at his uncle's house after both of his parents have died. His sadness, loneliness, and fear of being a burden come up often, and the film treats his grief gently while still making it a real part of the story
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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Talk after watching
- Lewis feels like an outsider at school and in his new home. What helped him start to feel like he belonged?
- Lewis breaks a house rule because he wants friends so badly. What did that choice cost, and how did the people around him respond?
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The House with a Clock in Its Walls
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