The massively influential Tim Burton directed a Batman movie, and nearly helmed the ill-fated Superman Lives, with Nicolas Cage in the titular role. One would assume he has an affection for superhero films, and maybe he does, but he’s not a fan of Marvel and DC’s contemporary work. Last year, Burton told Yahoo, “How many times can you say ‘you’re wearing a funny costume’ with the tights and stuff? That’s been going on for 20 years now. Yes, we all know that superheroes are damaged individuals. Maybe we need to see a happy superhero?” Two things: I’m guessing Burton didn’t enjoy the gloomy Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and considering his criticism, there goes his chance at directing an X-Men movie. Oh well, at least he’s got Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, which is like X-Men, but hella whimsical.
Based on Ransom Riggs’ novel of the same name, Miss Peregrine’s is about a teenager, Jacob Portman, who discovers the titular “secret refuge.” There he meets the Professor X-like Miss Peregrine, played by the always-welcome Eva Green, and her mutant, er, peculiar students with unusual abilities. Like soaring into trees to return squirrels to their homes, apparently. Things are hunky dory, until the Hollows, a group led by Samuel L. Jackson (hopefully not with his Kingsman: The Secret Service lisp), begin hunting the children for their powers. It’s up to Jacob to stop them, probably with his big eyes.
All that’s missing is a bad guy in too much makeup. It’s the part Johnny Depp was born to play.
