To be completely honest, I did not expect to like the movie, "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". My husband raved over the book when he read it a few years ago, but it just didn't sound like a story I would enjoy, so I passed on reading it myself. Now, I am very sorry I didn't read the book!
Because my husband loved the book, of course we went to see the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children movie. Again, I fully expected to simply be tolerating a movie for my husband's sake. However, from the very beginning, I was spellbound.
After seeing the movie, I can hardly wait to read the book.
Yes, this is indeed one of those times when I should have listened to my husband. Can you hear him snickering in the background?
Synopsis of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar ChildrenLet me warn you, the story has a heart-wrenching beginning. Jake's grandfather is murdered and Jake arrives too late to help him. Abe is still alive when Jake finds him, but only long enough to give him a mission. While Jake is holding his dying grandfather, he sees a huge monster in the woods approaching them. In fear, his friend shoots blindly into the woods, not seeing anything. She is simply responding to Jake's warning. Later, we find out the monster is a hallowgast and we learn why only Jake could see the creature.
Jake is clearly traumatized by these events. His parents send him to a psychiatrist who subsequently recommends a trip to Wales and the orphanage where his grandfather was raised. The doctor suggests that Jake can find closure and say goodbye, in a way, to his grandfather there. This is exactly what Jake wants. He needs to visit Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children himself. He has a mission to accomplish. However, until he is there and surrounded by the children his grandfather has always told him about, he has no idea that he, himself, belongs with the peculiar children.
Each peculiar child has an unusual ability or power. One girl can light fires by simply touching something. One boy is invisible. Another girl can float and actually has to wear special weighted shoes to hold her to the ground. Some have unbelievable strength, but they all have a "peculiar" skill.
The most remarkable is truly Miss Peregrine herself. She possesses several special abilities. One, she can turn herself into a beautiful peregrine falcon. A very suitable metamorphosis for a caregiver of "peculiar" children. However, her most valuable talent is her ability to create time loops, which is why neither she nor the children ever age. They are protected by staying in a certain place in time.
But, Miss Peregrine and the children are in danger of being found by the hallowgasts who feed on peculiar children. It is Jake's mission to save them, but he is just a teenager himself and this is all very new to him in reality.
Conclusion and Recommendation
This synopsis really is just touching the surface of the plot. It is a very in depth story which is quite unique. I don't believe I have ever seen a more fantastic fantasy. There are elements of that seem familiar to us all, like unseen monsters, shape-shifting humans, or individuals with supernatural strength. Even time manipulation. However, this plot is so unique and original, I felt like it was all new and unknown. Plus, I adored the quirky personality and fabulous style of Miss Peregrine. She was truly perfect.
I can highly recommend the movie Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children to anyone 13 or older. In true Tim Burton style, there is no crude language, no lewd actions or even innuendoes. Only pure excellence in the making of the movie.
I also highly applaud the writer of the book & story, Ransom Riggs, for his creativity and ability to entertain without disgusting his readers.
Now that I have seen the movie, I will be reading the book!
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Movie Review of "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" Written by:
I've been looking forward to this movie coming to our local cinema, I was enthralled when I saw the first trailer so I'm glad that your review has also found it a good movie.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a great movie Louanne. I know you are going to love it!
DeleteSounds like a fascinating story and movie. I think I'd be interested in reading the book first. Thanks for your interesting review. It captured my attention!
ReplyDeleteObviously, my husband read the books first. He said that he enjoyed the movie, but that the books were better because they allowed for more detail.
DeleteFantasy is a genre I've never been able to get behind. I think perhaps I've been shortchanging myself. Your review is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteFantasy isn't my first genre choice either Susan, but this particular movie was indeed fascinating and worth my time. I found it a very nice reprieve from the world of real monsters with human skin. I liked being able to distinguish between the good and the bad.
DeleteGreat review. I am looking forward to it. I am a fantasy buff anyway, but don't always like Tim Burton's stuff.
ReplyDeleteI do like Tim Burton, but in this particular case, I think the story actually carried the movie.
DeleteI was hoping you'd see this and tell us about it. I thought I might like it, but hate going to the movies for movies I only think I might like. I guess I'll have to buy a ticket and see this one on the big screen!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a great movie and I highly recommend it Dawn. I think you will like it and I agree that it is probably better on the big screen, although I will be buying the dvd when it is available.
DeleteI am looking forward to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children for several reasons and I am glad to hear it is worthwhile! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worthwhile Heather!
DeleteCynthia, I have to see this now - like you I though, nah, this kind of movie isn't for me, but wow, after reading your review I see I misjudged - now added to my list!
ReplyDeleteI am really glad I went to see the movie Barbara. I didn't see the trailer beforehand, nor did I read any reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised by the story.
DeleteI think I have the same intial feelings you did. I would probably opt to read the book rather than see the movie, since I might find something like this scary in movie form. I guess that makes me "peculiar."
ReplyDelete