***SPOILER ALERT***
When Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds a magical place known as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers… and their powerful enemies. Ultimately, Jacob discovers that only his own special “peculiarity” can save his new friends. Twentieth Century Fox.
As either a fan of Riggs and Tim Burton, this movie is a movie to look forward to this year. The concept of “peculiar"children living in a home protected by a clever lady who can turn herself into a peregrine falcon is just something one should not miss! On top of that,this home can be found in a world outside the concept of reality where you go through in a loop that belongs on the 3rd day of September 1943, forever.
Everything looks familiar, this is definitely a Tim Burton film. That eerie feeling, dark, halloween like feel but also melodramatic in a way. There is always that sadness and coldness between relationships in families that Tim Burton has always emphasized in most of his films. This is what seems to hook the viewers, that wondering if there will be a time that the troubled kid will finally achieve happiness in the end.
For about the first half of the film, the story was quite engaging and imaging was definitely brilliant. The peculiar children were believable with their peculiarities and seemed very natural. Miss Peregrine’s transformation appeared to be very spontaneous.
As for the cast, Eva Green is exceptional as Miss Peregrine in this film. She perfectly captured what seemed to be Miss Peregrine’s personality and wit being their clever caretaker! The children were all great with their roles but one most interesting among them was Emma, played by Ella Purnell, who is light as a feather and has the ability to control air. She was enchanting, with her bright big eyes and kind heart.
As for the second half of the film, I kinda thought the ending needed a bit of refinement. Some imagery became degraded however it’s not the main issue but the story telling became hastened and have been cut too short. The scenes where Jake, played by Asa Butterfield who travelled all over the world in order to go back in time didn’t seem to have showed his long travels and experiences precisely.
Overall, this film was entertaining and thrilling especially Barron, played by Samuel Jackson who kinda frightened me in the film. He was “scary and funny” at the same time kind of villain which I think kids will really like! However, I did thought the film was almost on its way in becoming a really great film but the ending seemed disappointing.
In NZ cinemas September 29, 2016.