The House Of Magic – Review

Abandoned by his owners, a cat sneaks into a mysterious mansion that the neighbourhood pets are convinced is haunted. In short order, our feline protagonist gains a new name (Thunder) and a new master the genial, elderly Lawrence, a magician who lives happily in a magical world with his toys and mechanical gizmos. However, Thunder also gains a few enemies: Jack Rabbit and Maggie Mouse have no intention of allowing him to become part of Lawrence`s act, even as Lawrence`s nefarious nephew Danny plots to sell the house away.

Plot-wise, there isn`t anything particularly special about The House Of Magic. The story marches along in largely predictable fashion the schemes cooked up by Thunder and his buddies aren`t enormously innovative and the ending of the film is never in doubt. It`s also the kind of movie in which moral complexities are easier to ignore than include, so don`t expect many shades of grey in the characters of Thunder, Lawrence or Danny. Even Jack Rabbit, who proves a worthy, grouchy secondary antagonist to Thunder is quickly forgotten in the film`s action-packed ending.

But it`s all woven together to charming, sweet effect in the film, which benefits enormously from its excellent character design. It`s easy to forgive the straightforward narrative when it`s hurried along so effectively by the bouncy, adorable Thunder and his desire to be part of a family again. Lawrence`s toys are also wonderfully realised: Edison, the most expressive walking lightbulb you`ll ever see, is a standout, but the other supporting characters are lovingly developed too. Much of the joy in the film comes from watching them come together to thwart Danny`s efforts.

Taken all together, The House Of Magic has the feel of a well-worn bedtime story: it may occasionally feel like something you`ve seen a thousand times before, but it`s also powered by a comfortable, familiar spark of magic the kind that makes you feel right at home, wherever you might be.

Summary: This house breaks little new ground but is nevertheless filled to the rafters with its own magic and charm.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Shawne Wang