The House with a Clock in Its Walls

The House with a Clock in Its Walls has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in the US on Netflix. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 2,324 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Watch it for Jack Black — stay for everyone else around them. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Netflix.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The House with a Clock in Its Walls earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The House with a Clock in Its Walls from the crowd. 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. Jack Black and Cate Blanchett lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2018. The House with a Clock in Its Walls earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, The House with a Clock in Its Walls respects your intelligence. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Jack Black is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.