The House With A Clock In Its Walls Review: 5 Ups & 3 Downs

Downs

3. It Doesn't Quite Balance Its Tone

The problem with Roth's experience in film-making so far is that he's always made provocative movies that aim to shock in some way (well, his BEST films fit that agenda anyway). In other words, he's geared towards making horror films that seek visceral responses.

How that would mesh with a family film was always going to be a bit of an issue and though the horror elements are a good addition (particularly as they make it feel a little more grown up), the balance between the darker moments and the levity isn't quite there.

The film doesn't ENTIRELY know what it's supposed to be and it flits around tone a little too much, making it unclear whether it would actually be ok for younger children to watch. Which is funny when you consider the nature of some of the comedy...