While watching Tim Burton's "Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children" I couldn't help, but be reminded of Burton's better days as a director. Which is not to say that his new film, based on Ransom Riggs' ultra popular YA novel, is a total bomb. His knack for great visuals is still in tact, but this is not a story that Burton would have undertaken during his peak years. It's a paycheck.
That's the problem with his career. "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" and "Alice in Wonderland" were steps back when they were supposed to be steps forward. He tried to get back to his glory days a few years ago with "Big Eyes" which barely missed the mark, but proved that he does still strive for artistic freedom.
"Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children" is a safe, moderately entertaining film that is meant to rake in the big bucks. You will likely not see his name in the advertisements for the film because there already is a specific fanbase for the film. The visuals are, in some circumstances, stunning, but the story is thin and the auteuristic stamp somewhat nonexistent.
So give me examples you ask? Burton's best films are untouchable: "Beetlejuice," "Batman," "Edward Scissorhands," "Batman Returns," "Ed Wood," "Mars Attacks" and "Sweeney Todd." Visionary stuff and Burton going by is own twisted muse. Here's hoping he gets his groove back, lord knows we need him right now with the studio system crumbling [C+]