When Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that stretches across time, he finds Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. But the danger deepens after he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers.
I had heard mixed things about the adaptation of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Despite the remarks my enjoyment of film adaptations and curiosity for Tim Burton I bit the bullet and headed to the theater. Sadly, I should have listened and stayed away.
There were a few things that really stood out to me.
Towards the end, these wacky skeletons caught my eye. I don’t recall there being these creatures in the book (although correct me if I’m wrong) and definitely not at a modern-day carnival. This B-movie horror scene lasted way too long. “When Skeletons Attack” seemed like a cheap ploy equal to “Snakes on a Plane”.
Like The Giver brought Jonas and Fiona together Tim Burton found it necessary to create sparks between Jake and Olive which in no way was even suggested in the novel. Why? I didn’t think it added anything to the movie and didn’t feel like a natural fit.
Last is the characters. The children at Miss Peregrine’s home met my expectations with their odd ways and old-fashioned looks. Miss Peregrine however, seemed out-of-place. Her dress was a little too modern and looked like it would have fit in better in Jake’s 2016 era. It just didn’t work for me and as she is a prominent character her lack of conformity was the nail in the coffin.
Overall, having read the book I was disheartened by the inaccuracies and the tragedy of straying from the book. Also, the end was a bit discombobulated and I’m not sure how I would have felt if I’d gone into the film blind. My final reaction is that for those who have not read the book I could see getting enjoyment out of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children but for those acquainted with the novel it could only lead to disappointment.
Aw that’s too bad it was a disappointment. I’ve been curious about it and even thought of going to see it soon- I haven’t read the book but this trend of disappointing adaptations seems to be continuing. Nice that they did a good job with the kids but I normally like Eva Green and if they made her look too modern I can see that detracting. Too bad they always stray from the book!
I don’t remember the skeletons either, but I read the first years ago. Also, the stupid comic relief from the wights. So much darker in the books. My kids liked the movie though.
Rebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
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