Yes, an Eli Roth-directed children's film! You could be mistaken for it being directed by Chris Columbus, however, as it is pitched somewhere between classic Amblin and Harry Potter. In spite of the minor involvement of Jack-o'-lanterns, it is not a Halloween film as such but it would provide ideal spooky entertainment for children around the time, and no doubt will in years to come. Jack Black and Cate Blanchett make a great pairing as the bickering friends/neighbours, and young Owen Vaccaro gives a pleasing performance as the bereaved boy sent to live with his uncle, who happens to be a warlock (or as the youngster puts it, a "boy-witch"). Themes of grief and resurrection might prove a little dark for younger children, but the mise-en-scene is finely and sumptuously detailed, the story is sensitive and reasonably well developed, and the effects work is done well in this pleasantly entertaining film that is squarely aimed at the children's market.
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