You know what a lot of kids movies lack these days (I ask while waving my cane in the air at a cloud)? Charm. There’s some amazing stuff going on for sure, but that certain “charming” characteristic is often missing. Maybe it’s because children’s films are all chasing after Pixar’s perfect blend of adult nostalgia and childhood wonder, but charm is often missing.
I did not expect to find that charm from Eli Roth. The man is better known for the exact opposite of charm. If charm and one of his films touched it would destroy the universe. Yet, The House with a Clock in Its Walls is charming in its own wonderful way. One part horror movie, one part coming of age, and one part Harry Potter, the film may not break any boundaries, but it is uniquely charming.
Source: Destructoid Review: The House with the Clock in Its Walls