Tim Burton returns to the director’s chair with his latest release, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” and he brings the fantasy novel to life in grand fashion thanks to his quirky and macabre stylings and a fantastic cast.
The film follows Jacob Portman (Asa Butterfield), a 16-year-old boy who travels to an island located in Wales to learn more about the mystery behind his grandfather’s death. While on the island, he meets the enigmatic Miss Alma Peregrine (Eva Green), the headmistress for the Home for Peculiar Children, where children with supernatural abilities live away from the world. After meeting Miss Peregrine, Jacob is thrown into the middle of a lifelong battle between Miss Peregrine and the evil Wights, who are led by the psychotic Mr. Barron (Samuel L. Jackson).
Though the narrative draws multiple comparisons to the comic book franchise, “X-Men,” this film offers a multitude of stylish elements and visuals to help offset any flaws in its story, ranging from a battle between stop-motion skeletons and nearly 10-feet-tall Hollowgasts to the time loop that occurs everyday at the Home for Peculiar Children.
In addition to Burton’s stylish direction, the cast all do a magnificent job in their roles. Green is no stranger to bizarre fantasy works, having previously starred in the TV series “Penny Dreadful” and films “300: Rise of an Empire” and “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,” and she continues to show her strength with the peculiar titular character in this film. While most prefer to remember Jackson in his more heroic roles in “Snakes on a Plane” and the “Star Wars” prequels, he proves to be magnificent as the villain in this film, delivering some bone-chilling threats as well as some devilishly hilarious lines.
Overall, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” does feature some minor story flaws, but overcomes them with stunning direction, thrilling effects and great performances.
