A recently-orphaned boy goes to live with his uncle (Jack Black) in an enchanted mansion, where he learns about enchantments that lead to the inevitable threatening showdown. This adaptation of the children’s book is a hybrid of many magical fantasies, so there must be something more than the plot to make it appealing. Director Eli Roth (best known for his violent horror films) is bringing his skills to the PG-genre and manages to create a few creepy moments. Even with all the fantastical effects (and Cate Blanchett’s charms) there’s a certain blandness that keeps it from ever being original or exciting. Still, for the youngsters it’ll provide plenty of visual pop and mild thrills.
(3 / 5)