By Renee’ C.
Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels)
A young orphan named Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro) aids his magical uncle (Jack Black) in locating a clock with the power to bring about the end of the world (IMDB).
I was hoping this film was not another boring lackluster film and I was pleasantly surprised because it is a fun ride from beginning to end. Sure, this is made for the younger kiddos but I think adults will enjoy it as well.
Jack Black gives a wonderful portrayal as Johnathan Barnavelt a warlock and uncle to Lewis. Owen Vaccaro does a great job as Lewis, a recently orphaned boy who comes to live with his uncle. I absolutely loved Kate Blanchett as Florence Zimmerman, a neighbor who also has magical powers. She wears fantastic purple outfits for the entire film, purple is my favorite color. I loved the banter between Black and Blanchett’s characters. It seemed like they were close siblings hurling insults back and forth but in a funny way because they were not meant to be hurtful. Kyle MacLachlan plays Isaac Izard, a wizard who turned to the dark arts and is determined to bring the world to an end.
The special effects in this film are also entertaining and add to the depth of this film. I don’t remember seeing an enchanted recliner acting like the family pet. Sure, there are childish potty humor gaffs but it is to be expected due to the target audience. All in all, this film is entertaining and I would definitely take the younger crowd to see it around Halloween.