By Chris Kavan - 08/17/16 at 11:36 AM CT
One could say that while the updates this week may be few, at least they have good quality. One of my favorite books I have read in the past year is coming to the big screen - who knew a book based around some creepy old photographs would have such a big impact. Yes, my friends, Miss Peregrine and her Peculiar Children are just about here. The other big film is a much-delayed thriller (due to all the problems Relativity Media has had the last two years) that will hopefully be worth the wait.
I used to read a lot more, but I've slowed down recently. But I still enjoy a good book every now and then, and I have to say that Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children was thoroughly enjoyable. Now, adapting novels into successful films is a daunting task - and one that doesn't often work out for the better. Still, Tim Burton seems like a perfect fit for this gothic story. While Burton has kind of struck out with recent films Big Eyes and Dark Shadows, I am hoping this puts him on the right track. Plus, no Johnny Depp this time. Instead we have Eva Green as the titular Miss Peregrine and a bevy talent, young and old. Dame Judi Dench, Terence Stamp, Samuel L. Jackson, Allison Janney and Kim Dickens take on the elder roles while Asa Butterfield, Ella Purnell, Milo Parker, Raffiella Chapman, O-Lan Jones and Pixie Davies represent the younger set. The biggest concern comes from how many changers are going to made and, judging by the trailers, that is quite a few. It doesn't necessarily mean it will be a bad thing, but I hope Burton doesn't make this too much teen angst and special effects. I want Edward Scissorhands not Dark Shadows. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and peril.
It has been a long and bumpy road for The Disappointments Room. Granted, most of that has to do with all the financial troubles that Relativity Media has gone through. In any case, the film centers on a mother and her son (Kate Beckinsale and Lucas Till) who move into a rural dream house only to unleash terrifying evil from the attic. While I thought the film was getting a major release, it now looks like Relativity is backing off (and moving the release date up to September) for a more limited theatrical release with more focus on VOD. That's disappointing (pun intended) to say the least. Still, with Jane Got a Gun doing dismal sales and Netflix in a heated battle to stream Masterminds (and this film) ahead of the theatrical release, maybe it's for the best. But horror films have done so well lately with micro budgets and big returns (even higher-budget ones like The Purge and Conjuring 2 have done very well), so it seems like desperate move rather than anything else. Rated R for violent content, bloody images, some sexuality and language.
Those are the big pictures but be sure to take a look at the full MPAA Ratings Bulletin below:
THE DISAPPOINTMENTS ROOM
Rated R for violent content, bloody images, some sexuality and language.
DOUBLE CROSS
Rated R for violence.
JACK GOES HOME
Rated R for disturbing violent and sexual content, language throughout, and drug use.
THE LAST DESCENT
Rated PG for thematic elements and a perilous situation.
MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and peril.
THE MONSTER
Rated R for language and some violence/terror.
NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
Rated R for violence, menace, graphic nudity and language.
PEPO PAL SENADO
Rated R for language.
PRICELESS
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving human trafficking, and some violence.
