Film Review: "Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children" (2016).

"Stay peculiar", which is what Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children encourages. This dark fantasy adventure film directed by Tim Burton and written by Jane Goldman, based on the novel of the same name by Ransom Riggs. 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.

In May 2011, the film rights to the 2011 novel were sold to 20th Century Fox. Chernin Entertainment also signed on to produce the film. In November, Deadline.com reported that Tim Burton was in talks to direct the film. In December, Jane Goldman was reportedly hired to adapt the story as a screenplay for the film, while Burton was not confirmed yet. In July 2014, Eva Green was set to play the title role. In September 2014, it was announced that Asa Butterfield was being eyed for the lead role. In November 2014, Ella Purnell was in final talks to join the film. In February 2015, Samuel L. Jackson was added to the cast to play Barron, a character made for the film. By March 2015, Terence Stamp, Chris O'Dowd, Rupert Everett, Kim Dickens, and Judi Dench were announced as being in the cast. Filming was initially set to begin in August 2014 in London. In February 2015, Principal photography began in the Tampa Bay Area. Tampa Bay Times revealed that some parts of the film were being shot in London. Filming lasted for two weeks in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, in the Florida area. It is the second Tim Burton film to be shot in the Tampa Bay area, the first being Edward Scissorhands in 1989. Production of the film later moved to Cornwalland, Blackpool in the UK, and Brasschaat, a municipality close to Antwerpen (Antwerp), Belgium. The movie was originally scheduled to be released on March 4 2016, but it was changed to Christmas 2016, then changed once again to September 30 2016.

The film stars Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris O'Dowd, Allison Janney, Rupert Everett, Terence Stamp, Ella Purnell, Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson. The cast gave peculiar performances, and maybe Burton's best cast in years. Kudos goes to Green, O'Dowd, Janney, Everett, Stamp, Dench and Jackson who gave solid performances. Butterfield, Purnell and the other children gave unique performances, even though, at times, had dry moments.

Darker to most family movie fair, Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children is for people who like their family fair visually appealing and dark. The film is a clever, smart fantasy that targets the outsider inside every one of us. It's Burton's richly entertaining adaptation is one of his best films in years. A film that is just as comic, beautiful and haunting as its source material.

Simon says Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children receives:

Also, see my review for Big Eyes.