If you haven’t read the Peregrine series of books by Ransom Riggs, by all means, do so! When I read it, I thought, “This is kind of Tim Burton’s X-Men as a period piece.” So it’s appropriate that Burton will direct the film, which I hope will mark his return to AAA status as a director.
The movie is based on the novel by Ransom Riggs and it stars Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Ella Purnell, Chris O’Dowd, Allison Janney, Terence Stamp, Kim Dickens, Rupert Everett, Judi Dench, and Samuel L. Jackson.
When Jake discovers clues to a mystery that spans alternate realities and times, he uncovers a secret refuge known as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As he learns about the residents and their unusual abilities, Jake realizes that safety is an illusion, and danger lurks in the form of powerful, hidden enemies. Jake must figure out who is real, who can be trusted, and who he really is.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children opens September 30, 2016.
I have not read the books, but my worry is that this is too much in Burton’s comfort zone. I don’t know if you’ve seen Big Eyes, but I loved it, even if it’s a minor work, and I was hoping it would be the start of something. But between Peregrine and Dumbo, I’m a little concerned.
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I just watched this trailer again, and am feeling better about this movie. I can’t fault Burton for doing what he does well.
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I loved Big Eyes and thought Burton did a great job with it and showed some much needed restraint and maturity. These books are fantastic. Ransom Riggs found these incredibly old creepy photos and wrote three books so far about, essentially mutants, in a period piece. Asa Butterfield is one of the best actors working, Eva Green is underrated and I think this might be where Burton finds the right project without the wrong influences to send him afar.
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Just one question. How epic is this story? Because blockbuster productions are not always Burton’s friend. Don’t get me wrong, certain big films of his like Batman Returns and Mars Attacks are notable for the way he manages to get his personal themes in, and I love both of those films, but I love it more when he’s not burdened by the expectations that come with helming a blockbuster. His smaller films are charming.
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