Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (DVD, 2005, Widescreen Collection)

Having read the first seven Series of Unfortunate Events books with my son, I expected this movie to fall short of my expectations... as so many movies based on books can not recreate the experience, let alone add a new dimension to the written story. However, the movie Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events accurately captures the mood, tone, and humor introduced in the books. The movie even adds some extra elements of mystery and drama.

My son particularly likes the way in which aspects of the books are illustrated on-screen. For example, the movie opens with a clip of a film called "The Littlest Elf". Fans of the book series will remember this is a book referred to by the author on several occasions. Also, we like the way in which the entire movie is narrated, if you will, by the author of this grim tale. (Although, the author is played by an actor).

In particular, this movie is visually stunning. The sets literally take viewers into a different world. This aspect is very true to the book: modern mixed with Victorian. The costumes add to this effect.

Best of all is the way in which the movie combines elements of the first three books, in order to tell the story in a fresh way. There is something new for fans of the books to enjoy. Count Olaf is very dastardly, but the series of unfortunate events are at times different than those in the books, and occur in a new sequence. This may frustrate some die-hard fans of the book who want an accurate portrayal of the books on screen. Still, this movie is very well done, and stands on its own.

Both my son and I hope they will continue the movie, with sequels.

Oh, by the way... We bought the movie because we had rented it, and enjoyed it so much my son wanted to watch it again and again.

The dvd replaced one stolen from my home, it is not a great movie and it is not a bad movied, my grand children are entertained by it and it does hold my attention. Kids like it because it is silly, and that is why I kind of like it too. The movie is about three children who's parents are killed while on some sort of trip. They are to be placed in the home of a relative (manical uncle) played by Jim Carrey and the agency placing the children have no idea the uncle is evil and had something to do with the demise of their parents, they escape his evil home and the agency turns them over to their aunt played by Meryl Streep (who is totaly unhinged) and of course the uncle comes back into their lives desguised as a captain (salior) and wooes the aunt. The children find themselves in a lot of misadventures and also are trying to solve the mystery of their parents death, and out their wicked uncle.


Yvonnetherrien216@msn.com

The books were great and so is this movie. Amazing performances by Jim Carrey, Liam Aiken, and Emily Browning help to make this film a memorable one. Fantastic and abstract visuals along with a dark and humorous storyline make this movie a must-have.

Jim Carrey's portrayal of Count Olaf is comic enough for younger viewers to appreciate. The entire film is gray--literally--and although Count Olaf has sinister intentions, there is a lighthearted treatment of the books that makes it okay for younger children to watch. The film blends together at least three books to make a successful, entertaining film that is along the lines of the Adaams Family in its level of "horror." In other words, this film is not scary, just wonderful! I recommend both the film and the books.

This movie is one of the silliest family movies I've seen in quite a while. Jim Carey makes another blockbuster movie as Count Olaf and the kids really compliment the actors strengths as a comedian. There is some peril issues that I had to explain to my 6 year old and that 'no, you can't really be eaten by fish'! There are about 4 death scenes(deaths not actually shown)that was a little disturbing for a small child, but other than that it was a great movie about three children and their family bond and their resilience to survive.