Photo by Rachel Choi

In a thrilling and enticing world made by the famous director Tim Burton, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children entails mystery and self-discovery in a fun, family-friendly way.

From the trailer, I got Harry Potter vibes in the sense that a boy discovers he has a gift and is sent to a home where there are others like him. This movie did not stray from my high expectations.

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children follows Jake Portman, a boy who thinks of himself as a coward and nothing like the “little tiger” that his grandfather used to refer to him as when he was a young child.

Now older and in high school, 16-year-old Portman, played by Asa Butterfield, goes to visit his grandfather, when he discovers that the house has been broken-into. He finds his grandfather on the ground, nearly dead. Before fully losing consciousness, his grandfather explains to Portman that he needs to go to Miss Peregrine’s home and that she would explain everything.

Suddenly, children show up and whisk Portman away to a different period in time where it is no longer the present but the past in 1940, the day before Miss Peregrine’s home is bombed in the middle of World War II.

Back in his own time, after the unfortunate death of someone who was killed in the same way as his grandfather, Portman runs to the portal to warn Miss Peregrine when the monster that killed his grandfather and the man found dead follows him inside, threatening the safety of Miss Peregrine and all the other children.

Asa Butterfield does a great job in portraying Portman as a teen who is unsure of himself but willing to try to be brave. Although most of the movie is made up of CGI and green screens, Butterfield’s acting makes you believe that he sees what the audience sees as the final product. I love the character development and how Portman evolves from a frail, unconfident teen to one who believing in himself by the end of the film. He is pushed into a leadership role and he takes it upon himself to save the other children. He ultimately handles his position with grace and dignity.

Ella Purnell plays the love interest of Portman as Emma Bloom, who helps him discover his own gift. She is delicate and very likable. Her soft voice and facial features really help her become the role of Emma.

What really brought the movie to life are the vivid colors that would jump out at me and the different camera angles. While a character would be talking, the audience would be shown the other character’s facial expressions to give the audience a sense of how we should feel as well.

This movie has truly become one of my favorite movies. It is exciting and fun. Whether you want to see this movie with friends or family, Miss Peregrine’s is one that anyone would enjoy.

One notable difference between the book and the movie is Bloom, the girl who can manipulate air (in the movie), and Olive Elephanta, a girl who has power over fire, have their powers swapped for the movie. This change probably occurred to make Emma seemingly more significant and powerful, as she is a major part in the movie.

The way Portman leads the children to come together to use their powers in defeating the monsters is one that made the movie very enjoyable. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and the actors’ familial nature extend through the screen. The feelings of Portman resonate with me and that’s what makes the movie special.

I highly recommend this movie to everyone who wants a refreshing film that will make you thirst for more.