I’ve only vaguely heard of the book on which Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is based (same name), but this excellent trailer hooked me within thirty seconds. That odd imagery and lilting song drew me right in, efficiently setting the mood and freeing the rest of the trailer to tease character and plot. Granted, it focuses mostly on the characters, but when a trailer presents such a lovely group, it’s hard not to look forward to meeting everyone. Full disclosure, I’m a big Eva Green fan, but considering my enchantment predates her appearance in this trailer, I don’t think it had a huge effect on my response.
The plot teasing was rather light, giving only a few moments to what looks like a large assault on the group. I’ve got to think this is a much bigger part of the film than the trailer lets on, because they got Samuel L. Jackson to play the bad guy. You can’t bring that kind of fire power and not give him lots to unleash (or at least undercut it with an unexpected shark attack).
Behind the camera is Tim Burton, who I have a hit-or-miss record with. His more indulgent films simply don’t do anything for me, but I find the ones that meld his style with a good story (think Big Fish) whimsically engrossing. Since Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has a well-received book and screenwriter Jane Goldman (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, The Woman in Black) behind it, I’m guessing it’s going to ground Burton’s weirdness in a defined narrative.
At the very least, I know exactly when this film will break my heart: when Eva Green turns into a bird and flies out of the movie.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is directed by Tim Burton and stars Asa Butterfield, Eva Green, and Samuel L. Jackson. It will be released in the U.S. and the U.K. on September 30th, 2016. For international release dates, click here.
Were you enchanted by the peculiar cast of characters? Let us know in the comments!
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.