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Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week.

The House with a Clock in its Walls
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Kyle MacLachlan, and Owen Vaccaro
Synopsis: When you see a film is directed by Eli Roth, you usually have a certain conception of what you're about to see. After all, Roth has given the world some of the most graphic horror films in the last decade with films like "Hostel" and "Cabin Fever." And screenwriter Eric Kripke is no stranger to darker supernatural tales, having created the monster hunting series "Supernatural" for the CW. And yet, their latest collaboration, an adaptation of the John Bellairs 1973 young adult fiction novel, offers something that presents a few scares but is more fun for the whole family. And it's blessed with a great cast that includes Black and Blanchett as a warlock and witch who take a young boy (Vaccaro) under their wing, train him up, and fight alongside him when an evil warlock (MacLachlan) hatches a plan to wipe out humanity. There are some darker elements here (including a depiction of the demon Azazel that is somewhat unsettlng), but this isn't a horror movie. It's ideally timed to coincide with the Halloween season, and it offers a fun blend of comedy and drama. It's also a coming of age story. Vaccaro's Owen is dealing with the death of his parents, moving to a new city, trying to find real friends, and leaning into a new calling as a warlock. And the interplay between Black and Blanchett, two gifted actors who appear to be having quite a bit of fun in these parts, gives the movie a solid footing. The ending is somewhat predictable in terms of its outcomes, but this is about the characters and the journey. And Roth does a nice job bringing out the performances and bringing the story to life. We've seen in the past that horror movie directors can have a knack for telling softer stories, and Roth might fit in that mold. He does a good job with the material here and creates a film that's fun for audiences of all ages.
Rating: PG for thematic elements including sorcery, some action, scary images, rude humor and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:
Friday, September 28: "Night School," "Smallfoot," "Hellfest," "Little Women"

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