I wish this film was better. It started out lively, with some nice funky humor for a while. There were good production values throughout. Unfortunately, the story went downhill fast at the middle mark, and became a dreadful muddle by the end. I watched the children in the theater to make sure it wasn’t just me, and yup…the kids were bouncing around, completely bored, even during the climax. Bummer.
[pullquote]Here’s my thinking: it’s not Harry Potter, folks.[/pullquote] Don’t toss your money away to see this in the theater. The kid is decent enough (he gives the erratic script a real go), but he’s hampered by the adult actors at every turn, and sadly, the work of the other children as well. The “Turby” stuff went nowhere — a pity.Jack Black has a few good moments in the beginning, but this isn’t his best work (although there’s few movies he’s impressed me in, granted — Jumanji 2 being the exception). Why is this man getting work? His comedic timing is just strange. That works, somewhat, in the early stages of this wacky, kiddie horror house movie. Then the plot gets…well…”stupid” (that’s the only word that fits), as the story ineffectually tries to escalate the jeopardy. [pullquote position=”right”]The “stupid ball” is passed around a lot in the finale.[/pullquote]
Join the PERA (Personal Entertainment Research Assistant) waitlist.
The World's Most Indispensable Movie App
The RunPee app tells you the best times to
run & pee during a movie
so you don't miss the best scenes.
Download the RunPee app.
100% free (donation supported)
Between the increasingly weird script and missed narrative opportunities, I can only say, “WTF were the writers thinking? Who greenlit this garbage? And why was a chair the best character?”
Even Cate Blanchett couldn’t elevate the lackluster material presented. How did she decide to throw her lot in with this? Did she hope to become the next Professor McGonagle? (Harry Potter reference, again, but Blanchett must’ve badly misjudged this.)
What people are saying
about the RunPee app.
Brilliant idea with great information
I’ve been using RunPee for a few years now and it’s basically a requirement of going to the movies for me. The best part of course are the “pee times” that give you cues, synopses and times for when you can pee without missing the most important parts of the movie. There is also information about the credits- length, extras and if there are any extra scenes at the wayyy end. Super helpful to just know that it is or isn’t worth staying. There is a timer function that will buzz your phone when it’s a good time to pee. I also appreciate that the app is very conscientious about it being an app you use in a theater- dark background, all silent alarms etc. I will always enjoy the experience of the theater even if I could watch things at home- but I’ve even used it at home to check for things like after credit scenes or other information too.
View all reviews
Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Download RunPee app
I really, really don’t know what happened here. It’s ultimately a movie mess that started out quite nicely. [pullquote]I’m grading it in the (low) C range and not worse, because it looked pretty, and had early potential with the surreal atmosphere, incessant ticking clocks, and creepy toys[/pullquote]. There was enough goodwill to carry the audience for part of the show. But by the time the pumpkins started puking, I had to give up. Give this film a firm pass. You’ve been warned. 🙂
Movie Grade: C-
About the Peetimes: Here are 3 good, long Peetimes, spaced well thru the film. This was easy to get Peetimes for, since a lot of the exposition is either repeated, or provides plot points that kind of peter out, storywise.
Co-Creator of RunPee, Chief of Operations, Content Director, and Managing Editor. RunPee Jilly likes galaxy-spanning sci fi, superhero sagas, fantasy films, YA dystopians, action thrillers, chick flicks, and zany comedies, in that order…and possesses an inspiringly small bladder. In fact, that little bladder sparked the creation of RunPee. (Good thing she’s learned to hold it.)
Hated to hear this movie wasn’t better. I agree with the Jack Black sentiment. Thank you for the honest and well written review. I’ll save this one for Netflix.
Thanks for the comment! IDK. I think if someone goes in expecting it to suck by the middle point, it won’t be so bad. Expectations and all. We will see what people think.
I waited for it to hit the dollar theater. It was worth the $3. But not much more. It was ok. But didn’t like the WWII references. The scary stuff I would not recommend to really young kids. I did like the resolution of the bullies. If you’re mean….you get what you deserve.
How scary do you think it was? Worthy of an Alert Peetime? I assume you mean the part with the dolls? Are are there other times?
Yes the dolls, but those pumpkins exploding scared me. I dont like an icky clown face….younger kids than 10 yrs old might not like this movie.
Oh dear lord. I HATE clowns. I can’t even. I also get creeped out by dolls.
The barfing pumpkins were just gross and felt silly.
There were a lot of weird things in this film. I guess I should read the book. The source material might be good.
Comments are closed.