Decoding 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children': Is It Worth Your Peculiar Time?
Tim Burton is synonymous with whimsy and darkness. His 2016 film, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children,' based on Ransom Riggs' novel, promised much. But did it deliver? Let’s explore this film and see what we uncover.
The Flick Verdict: Good, Peculiar, But Not Groundbreaking
Is 'Miss Peregrine' a cinematic masterpiece? Probably not. Is it an enjoyable film with great elements? Absolutely. It’s a well-crafted, visually engaging experience that entertains. Don't expect profound thoughts to linger. It's like a gorgeous cake – delightful yet lacking in substance.
The film features impressive visuals, no surprise with Burton at the helm. Each child's oddity shines brightly, making them distinct and memorable. Surprisingly, this movie might be Burton’s least classic style. Where are Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter? They are absent. It's thrilling to see Burton in fresh territory.
So, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' is a solid film. Just solid. Not a game-changer, but not a failure either. It's that cozy spot in the cinematic landscape.
Navigating the 'Inappropriate' Peculiarities: Is it Kid-Friendly?
The pressing question for parents: Is 'Miss Peregrine' suitable for kids? It carries a PG-13 rating for reasons that are clear. The film dives into darker themes and showcases monsters, called Hollowgasts, which may disturb young viewers. It is not overly violent or scary, though.
Think of it as a child-friendly version of spooky storytelling, Burton-style. If your kids enjoy fantasy with a darker twist (think 'Harry Potter' with a Burton edge), they may be fine. If your kids are sensitive, consider previewing or waiting. "Inappropriate" is subjective but for early teens and above, it fits within acceptable bounds.
Sequel Speculations: Why Peculiarity Didn't Become a Franchise
Fans of Miss Peregrine wondered: Will there be a sequel? 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' felt ripe for sequels, with rich material and adventure potential. Yet, no sequel emerged. Why did Miss Peregrine remain grounded as a franchise?
The global box office showed promise, with $295.1 million from a $110 million budget. But there was no sequel. It was not outright canceled; it simply did not happen. Several factors contributed to this pause.
First, critical reviews were mixed. While visuals impressed – thank you, Tim Burton – the story and character growth received tepid responses. Critics felt the plot lacked depth, and while beautiful, the story was not compelling enough to wow studio heads.
Second, domestic performance was underwhelming. The film grossed $87.2 million in the U.S. and Canada. Studios usually favor domestic box office numbers for franchise decisions. A good global gross looks nice, but Hollywood focuses on home numbers for greenlights. The domestic response wasn’t robust enough for sequel confidence.
Lastly, studio priorities shift constantly. The industry is fickle. With mixed reviews and average domestic revenue, studios prioritize projects perceived as more promising. 'Miss Peregrine' seemed less of a safe bet compared to other options on development skates.
'Miss Peregrine' could have taken flight into franchise territory. But mixed critical reception, moderate domestic box office, and shifts in studio focus kept it singular as a peculiar journey.
Meet the Peculiars: A Character Deep Dive
The film's heart lies in its wonderfully weird characters. Each one has unique peculiarities. Let's dive into key characters in this fantastical story.
Jake Portman: The Ordinary Boy with Extraordinary Sight
Jake Portman appears as an average teen. But he is anything but average. Jake can see Hollowgasts – unseen monsters threatening peculiar existence. This ability is initially dismissed by everyone except Grandpa Abe. It's real, making him the protector of peculiar children.
Jake is around 16-17 years old in the film, experiencing typical teen angst while discovering a magical world and his vital role within it.
Abe Portman: The Peculiar Grandpa with a Past
Abe Portman is Jake's grandfather and the spark for his journey into peculiarity. He narrates the tales, holds family secrets, and, like Jake, sees Hollowgasts. It's a family trait.
Abe's history connects deeply with Miss Peregrine's Home. He lived there and had a sweetheart named Emma Bloom. Their love story ended with World War II when he left to fight rather than remain sheltered. This responsibility defines Abe's character.
Abe dies at the hands of a Hollowgast named Malthus. His death spurs Jake into discovering his peculiarity and the truth of Miss Peregrine's Home.
Emma Bloom: Air Apparent (or Aerokinetic, to be Precise)
Emma Bloom experienced changes from book to screen. In the novels, her power is pyrokinesis; she can create fire. In the movie, her strength changes to aerokinesis, allowing her to manipulate air. So now, Emma's essence revolves around air, not fire.
This change serves visual storytelling well. Aerokinesis showcases stunning visuals. Imagine a girl floating and creating air bubbles; it is captivating. Changing her power also softens Emma’s character. Pyrokinesis suggests aggression; aerokinesis gives her an ethereal quality.
Emma and Abe shared closeness. She loved him in 1943 and waited for his return. When Jake arrives, they share striking similarities, complicating things for Emma. The film hints at her developing feelings for Jake, which adds to the peculiar dynamic.
And yes, Emma floats. Her aerokinetic ability gives her a lightness, almost like a helium balloon. It’s captivating to watch.
Miss Alma LeFay Peregrine: The Ymbryne in Bird Form
Miss Peregrine is the secretive head of the home, an Ymbryne. An Ymbryne is a unique peculiar with a bird transformation ability. In her case, she becomes a peregrine falcon and alters time, creating time loops.
In the books, Miss Peregrine faces a rough fate; she becomes stuck in her bird form at the end.
The film adapts the first book but differs in some areas. By the end, Miss Peregrine can shift between human and falcon. Movie Miss Peregrine shows more skill than book Miss Peregrine in transformation.
Enoch O'Connor: The Heart-Throb (Literally)
Enoch is the resident re-animator. He can bring back the dead using preserved hearts. Yes, it sounds morbid but it’s true. Enoch’s skill is unique and useful in unusual moments.
Olive Abroholos Elephanta: Fire Starter (Movie Version)
Olive's power changes from book to movie. She is a pyrokinesis expert in the original. In the film, Emma’s power of fire manipulation transfers to Olive. Now she's linked to thermokinesis, adapting from book Emma's fire abilities.
The Twins: Silent Stone-Cold Peculiars
The Twins stand out with their striking and mysterious appearance. They wear masks and do not speak. Their peculiarity petrifies anyone who gazes at them. Hence, the masks are necessary. They act as a defense mechanism against threats.
Fiona Frauenfeld: Green Thumb, Peculiar Edition
Fiona controls plant life. She can make plants grow and move as she wishes. She is a plant whisperer with an impressive ability. Need to trip up an enemy? Fiona is your go-to girl.
Claire Densmore: The Mouthy Peculiar (Literally Again)
Claire has a peculiar, unsettling feature. She possesses a mouth on her back. Yes, you read that correctly. A backmouth makes her visually stand out among other peculiar children.
Sharon: Animal Whisperer and Navigator Extraordinaire
Sharon has two incredible abilities. She communicates with animals and navigates with ease. Lost? Wondering what squirrels say? Sharon is the peculiar you want around.
Victor Bruntley: The Deceased Peculiar (Kept for...Reasons?)
Victor Bruntley brings a somber feel to Miss Peregrine's home. He is deceased, yet his body remains there. Why? It’s unclear in the film, adding mystery. He died at the hands of a Hollowgast after leaving the time loop.
Mr. Barron: The Shape-Shifting Big Bad
Every story needs a villain. Mr. Barron steps into this role in 'Miss Peregrine.' His peculiarity is shapeshifting. He transforms into others or alters his body parts, making him a dangerous enemy.
Plot Points and Peculiar Places: Setting the Scene
Jake's journey into the peculiar world drives 'Miss Peregrine.' His goal is to protect the children with his unique vision of Hollowgasts. Let's explore more plot details and settings.
The mystery of Victor's body in the home remains a loose narrative end. It adds atmosphere without being essential to the plot. This detail makes the home feel eerily unconventional.
Time loops dictate the peculiar way of life. They come with rules; peculiars face rapid aging if they leave the loops. This time-based confinement protects them but also limits them.
Abe Portman's death caused by Hollowgast Malthus sets Jake on his journey. Abe's fate drives Jake into this peculiar adventure.
Hollowgasts specifically target eyes for a reason. They consume peculiar eyeballs to evolve into Wights, which are more human-like and dangerous. Eyeballs are crucial to this transformation.
The movie leads to a rescue mission in Blackpool. Jake, Emma, Miss Peregrine, and others aim to save Miss Peregrine from Mr. Barron’s Wight henchmen. The intense showdown at sea is truly peculiar.
Themes and Takeaways: Peculiar Messages
Beyond the fantastical, 'Miss Peregrine' conveys some deep themes. A major focus is the acceptance of death, particularly in the book. Time loops offer stasis but do not escape death. Living meaningfully within limits becomes essential.
Adaptation Adventures: Book vs. Film Peculiarities
'Miss Peregrine' makes several changes from the book in its film adaptation. The most notable is the power swap between Emma and Olive. What brought on this decision?
The reason could stem from visual appeal. Fire manipulation appears more dramatic than air powers. Olive possessing fire skills may appear visually striking compared to Emma's abilities.
Another thought on this swap could be for romance purposes. The film hints at a romantic connection between Olive and Enoch, unlike their book counterparts. Adaptations often adjust character dynamics to fulfill cinematic needs.
The changes reflect the adaptation process well – they modify elements for better visual storytelling and narrative flow within film time constraints.
Movie Must-Knows: Peculiar Production Details
Here are some key details for curious viewers.
- MPAA Rating: 'Miss Peregrine' is PG-13. This informs age appropriateness, given its spooky themes.
- Box Office Bonanza? Although not a blockbuster hit domestically, 'Miss Peregrine' grossed $295.1 million worldwide on a $110 million budget. It was no flop.
- True Story Territory? Miss Peregrine's Home isn't based on a true story literally. There is no actual home for peculiar children. However, it draws inspiration from vintage photos of unusual children, linking it loosely to reality.
- Flop or Not? It is not a flop by any means, having made significant profit during its run.
- Depp Dive? Is Johnny Depp part of 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children'? No, he did not appear in this film despite being a Tim Burton favorite.
This concludes our exploration into 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.' It offers enjoyable visuals and intriguing characters along with a bizarre plot. While not a timeless classic, it is definitely an entertaining journey into the weirdly wonderful.
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