KRIS HARRIS
Staff Writer
One can always expect to be entertained by watching the works of Tim Burton. Having such movies under his belt as “Edward Scissorhands” and “Beetlejuice,” the director is, somehow, always able mix gothic and avant-garde style with emotional and human stories that have been entertaining people for years. With his new directorial project “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” coming out later this week, they will be stepping into the world of these powerful children as they try to protect their lives from some dangerous foes.
Based on the book of the same name written in 2011 by Ransom Riggs, the film follows the story of Jacob Portman, who comes across Miss Peregrine and her orphanage filled with children who possess extraordinary, or peculiar, abilities. However, Jake was not completely surprised by this new world, as his grandfather told him stories of these children since he was a young child.
From invisible boys to girls who can control fire, these children, even with their amazing abilities, are in danger, as they are hunted by hollowgasts, humanoid, tentacle-mouthed creatures and wights, undead monsters who hunt peculiar children to gain their special abilities.
The tone of the movie is similar to other whimsical-yet-off-kilter fantasy films, such as Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” and “Coraline.” With Tim Burton directing the film, viewers can expect several dark and twisted moments while watching the movie.
The cast list features the talents of Eva Green as the title character Miss Peregrine, esteemed English actress Judi Dench as Miss Esmeralda Avery, another orphanage caretaker overseeing peculiar children, and Asa Butterfield as Jake Portman.
Samuel L. Jackson is also playing the main villain, Mr. Baron. The leader of the wights, Mr. Baron can disguise himself as other people in order to better achieve his goal of hunting the peculiar children.
In a tour of the set, Riggs completely approved with the direction the film was going into.
“It’s so cool watching everything come to life. And I love the way Tim Burton balances playful with the dark,” he said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
The film did encounter problems with its release. According to a 2014 article by ScreenRant.com, the film was supposed to be released to theaters on July 31, 2015.
Senior music industry major Kenny Budziszewski read the original book when he was younger and was captivated by the narrative.
“As a fan of fiction, I enjoyed the way that Miss Peregrine pulled me into the story and challenged my imagination,” said Budzisewski.
Hopefully Burton can successfully translate the book to the silver screen.
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” will be released nationwide on Sept. 30 by 20th Century Fox. It is rated PG-13.