Film Review: MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN (UK/USA 2016) **
Directed by Tim Burton

Starring: Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Judi Dench, Rupert Everett, Allison Janney, Terence Stamp, Chris O’Dowd

Review by Gilbert Seah

Based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Ransom Riggs, the film has a few similarities with the HARRY POTTER films which is likely the reason the rights of the book were quickly picked up for a film adaptation. Like Harry Potter, the boy with hidden powers, the hero of the story is a young 16-year old, Jake Portman (Asa Butterfield) who might or might not possess hidden powers. The orphanage home is a sorry replacement of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. But Jake also stumbles across a home with magic as well as evil forces.in the background. The story here is so-so and can nowhere be compared to the depth and imagination of J.K…