THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS

THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS:   Part fantasy, part comedy, part horror, but all entertaining, this film starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black is a delight with a wonderful performance by child actor, Owen Vaccaro portraying  a young man sent to live with his uncle (Black) in a creaky old house with a strange tick-tock sound emanating from deep within the structure. It's all about witches (Blanchett at her best) and warlocks and although it is sort of a rip-off of the Harry Potter genre, it works.  Designed for a young audience (i.e. the whole family) it has some delightfully creepy moments and a jolt of two along the way plus some great CGI effects. ( I loved the "griffin" topiary that comes to life and has to be reminded constantly to use the litter box.)
In other words, it's fun, funny, and fun-tastic.