Jack Black (playing the uncle) and Cate Blanchett (as his best friend and partner in magic) are usually welcome screen presences, but they seem embarrassed and undirected here, and the less said about the child actors, the better.

I found my attention wandering.

I feel like Eli Roth kind of revitalized himself with this picture...I'd love to see what else he can do with this kind of film.

Not only does it see weirdness as something to celebrate, but it, through many of its characters, assures young audiences not to fret over the past.