MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN (2016) Review
Directed by Tim Burton
After Percy Jackson’s failure in the film adaptation business, it’s hard to imagine how Fox does another YA fantasy novel adaptation, but maybe, just maybe, with Jane Goldman (Kingmsan, X-Men: Days of Future Past) hired to pen to screenplay and Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd), maybe things will turn out well for the film. Upon seeing the film, the final product isn’t as special as we hoped for but thankfully, it’s decent enough from start to finish.
Jacob or Jake (Asa Butterfield) is just a normal teenager, raised by his grandfather, telling him stories of peculiar children living in a house headed by a woman who can transform into a bird. But as he grows old, the stories started to not make sense and make him seem crazy to others, so he decided to leave all of it behind. But when his grandfather dies, the stories from his past just can’t seem to leave him as they begin to come to life.
While it’s not the best Tim Burton film, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a fine addition to his filmography. It’s a wonderful world but not so much on screen. What makes it really special is its Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince like musical score and its cast are just commendable. It didn’t feel like this was a Tim Burton film even though the material is very much like his turf when it comes to genre.
You’ll find more than enough elements in the film to enjoy, Asa Butterfield and Eva Green are very much how you want them to be, from charms to acting chops, the Peculiar children are adorable and weird at the same time. And the story goes to a familiar adventure but still entertaining, giving the audience what they expect from the peculiar world of Ransom Riggs.
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox. Rated PG by the MTRCB.