Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: December 17, 2004
6.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 232 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
151
Mixed:
57
Negative:
24
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
MovieLonely94Oct 18, 2010
its not the exact kind of Harry Potter you're looking for, but this movie relies on Jim Carrey's hilarious peformance as the villian and it will please moviegoers of all ages.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
nintendoid13Oct 23, 2010
I thought this movie was pretty sweet. Yes, I know that it is a little out of order compared to the books but you have to admit it was still pretty cool. Although my favorite part in the movie isn't the picture itself, but an outake that hadI thought this movie was pretty sweet. Yes, I know that it is a little out of order compared to the books but you have to admit it was still pretty cool. Although my favorite part in the movie isn't the picture itself, but an outake that had me on the floor laughing. I f you have the movie, go to the special features. Then go to "Orphaned Scenes" and select "Obnoxious Outakes" Then arrow down to Olaf's Workshop. The first part's dumb but after that it is hilarious.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
unfortunatelysoMay 7, 2011
A great series of books turned into a pretty good movie. I imagine that it would be difficult for such amazing books to be turned into a good movie, as it always is, but this movie was very well done.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
Trev29Sep 1, 2012
A wild ride of entertainment that is crafted so uniquely. its clever and witty. All the actors were enjoyable especially Jim and Meryl. Not your typical Hollywood kid film, but that is what makes it charming and dramatic.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
homer4presidentMar 13, 2015
There are a couple discrepancies between the book and the movie. Ultimately, a good representation of the Baudelaire's orphan story. If you are looking to read more about the tragedy of the Baudelaire orphans, then the books are a great placeThere are a couple discrepancies between the book and the movie. Ultimately, a good representation of the Baudelaire's orphan story. If you are looking to read more about the tragedy of the Baudelaire orphans, then the books are a great place to start.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
amheretojudgeApr 29, 2018
i will get you..

A Series Of Unfortunate Events Despite of being goofy, questionable and even cheesy sometimes, it works like a charm and the credit goes to the brilliant adapted screenplay by Robert Gordon that keeps the audience engagedi will get you..

A Series Of Unfortunate Events

Despite of being goofy, questionable and even cheesy sometimes, it works like a charm and the credit goes to the brilliant adapted screenplay by Robert Gordon that keeps the audience engaged through its finely detailed peculiar world that the characters revolve around. Brad Silberling is exceptionally good on executing such premise but it required better editing. The feature scores majestically on performance level by Jim Carrey and Meryl Streep and a decent support among the young actors too. A Series Of Unfortunate Events has a darker and stronger premise than a usual kid's feature and still is light and breezy due to the stellar performances and amusing little inputs in the characters.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
andrewe97May 15, 2014
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is a movie that contains depth and mesmerizing segments of action. It follows three protagonists: Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire through a series of unfortunate events that blendLemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is a movie that contains depth and mesmerizing segments of action. It follows three protagonists: Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire through a series of unfortunate events that blend harmoniously with each of the movie’s abstract settings.

The exploration of common human fears is not thematic in this movie. Flesh eating leeches, heights and snakes are only some of the disturbing scary things which enticed me to continue watching. These fears peppered the movie and stimulated reflection. Those leeches are the kinds that feast on wooden boats if they smell blood. When the characters had their near death experience with them, it roused empathy. The snakes sound deadly and look frightening, but actually play with toddlers. The heights are what stayed within the border of realism, and whatever went out of that border stirred up a lot of thought.

This mystery, adventure and comedy film all begins with Lemony Snicket, a cryptic author retracing the steps of the Baudelaire children from within a clock tower.

With each transition of location, a new mystery is discovered among the siblings that guides them closer to the answer to their parent’s involvement in a secret organization, alongside their death from a fatal house fire. As the kids travel to different locations, thematic symbols about the secret organization are subtly scattered. Together with the mystery, the orphaned Baudelaires go from relative to relative while one kin goes to extreme measures to receive the Baudelaire family fortune.

The antagonist of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Count Olaf (Jim Carrey), was off-putting due to the over-exaggeration of acting in almost every scene. It seemed like his character lacked substance and drifted towards reliance on facial expressions to make him appear interesting. The Baudelaire siblings on the other hand were casted beautifully. Each was known as either a bookworm, the finest fourteen year old inventor in the world and a biter.

The child actors played their roles to a high standard where in the end, some people like me were rather sad their journey ended. Those characters grew onto me. I desperately wanted to have a sneak peak into their future, whether it was going to be utopian or dystopian.

The movie contains a variety of characters. Aunt Josephine (Meryl Streep), a pessimistic and impulsive character who lives in a house above the ocean, on a plateau is humorous and irritating. If you think everything around you will hurt you, then you and her will most certainly relate.

Around the time the Baudelaires see her home’s observatory, the theme of the movie stands out. The large windowpane’s borders portray the secret organization’s symbol, and all those small subtleties become easily noticeable.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
SavvyJul 7, 2011
Wonderful adaption of a children's book series: perhaps not as edgy or dark as the original material but still the same tone. The art direction is fantastic (the shadow-puppet chase during the end credits is a masterpiece.) Jim Carey is usedWonderful adaption of a children's book series: perhaps not as edgy or dark as the original material but still the same tone. The art direction is fantastic (the shadow-puppet chase during the end credits is a masterpiece.) Jim Carey is used to his best abilities--he acts the part of a bad actor but he is NOT allowed to go over the top or chew the scenery (as often happens when he is unleashed in kiddie films.) They child actors are truly wonderful: droll, thoughtful, serious but engaged. The direction is spot on: tone, performances and dark beauty are consistent throughout. One of my favorite SMART and ARTISTIC and FUNNY movies for children. Skip the other mind-numbing drivel that passes as entertainment for children -- and watch this marvelous offering.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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7
CineAutoctonoDec 5, 2015
Very good adaptation of a children's book with a very impressive production design , finely tuned a script, and the good and brilliant performance of Jim Carrey.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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7
EpicLadySpongeFeb 3, 2016
To keep up the fame for this movie, I must give it a good score. It's enjoyable, but not living as the name for other Nickelodeon Movies currently here.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
MasterRileyFeb 15, 2017
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a dark and hopeless movie about 3 orphan siblings who are sent to live with the evil Count Olaf who will stop at nothing to get his hands on their parents enormous fortune. Overall it hasLemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a dark and hopeless movie about 3 orphan siblings who are sent to live with the evil Count Olaf who will stop at nothing to get his hands on their parents enormous fortune. Overall it has good performances, writing, and twists that will make it an enjoyable ride.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
Kdog152Feb 10, 2023
This will always be one of my favourite films. It came out the year I was born and I watched it over and over when I was a child. Jim carry did an amazing job as usual and the film is a good laugh. Billie Colloney was also amazing as usual.This will always be one of my favourite films. It came out the year I was born and I watched it over and over when I was a child. Jim carry did an amazing job as usual and the film is a good laugh. Billie Colloney was also amazing as usual. The acting was great and it's also great that the film is extremely accurate to the first 3 books in which this film is based on.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
FábioN.Jul 4, 2006
This beauty production it's definily good,isn't a amazing adaptation but still diserve our atention.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
bookreaderDNov 7, 2005
The books are the best i am on the 11 and it is great i am about to finish it and i hope if there is a nother move it should be in line and klaus should have glasses.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
V.F.D.MemberOct 31, 2005
The movie was great, and people should stop comparing it to the books. It's like a subconscious thing. If people could just look at the movie only as a seperate thing, as chess is different to candy, then you'll see why the movie The movie was great, and people should stop comparing it to the books. It's like a subconscious thing. If people could just look at the movie only as a seperate thing, as chess is different to candy, then you'll see why the movie is great. Of course, I don't mean to say that the books were bad. They're great! I got 12th book at the day it came out, and now I'm done with all 12, plus the unauthorized autobiography of Lemony Snicket. If you watch the DVD version, don't turn it off at the end. When the credits roll by, it's really amusing. Captain Sham (a.k.a. Count Olaf) does this weird pirate act.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AngeloG.Apr 5, 2005
This is a good but stupid movie. It has Klaus without wearing glasses and the glasses are a BIG part in book 4 that will be in part 2 and violet is younger then Klaus in real life. and Emily Browning (violet) isn't even hott!!! In This is a good but stupid movie. It has Klaus without wearing glasses and the glasses are a BIG part in book 4 that will be in part 2 and violet is younger then Klaus in real life. and Emily Browning (violet) isn't even hott!!! In conclusion, the characters suck!!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MaddieS.Sep 27, 2005
I agree totally with Stephanie R. This film is one of the best I've ever seen! Added to the fact that Liam Aiken was in it and he is one of the most gorgeous boys on the planet, second only to Dan Radcliffe. I know a lot of the words I agree totally with Stephanie R. This film is one of the best I've ever seen! Added to the fact that Liam Aiken was in it and he is one of the most gorgeous boys on the planet, second only to Dan Radcliffe. I know a lot of the words and it's great fun saying them along with the characters.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GenesisM.Dec 28, 2006
The movie was great. The characters were brave and they understand their situation. They know how to fight.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KakalinaL.Mar 20, 2006
I I only like this movie because of all the little funny things in it. It really cracks me up sometimes!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DanielleP.Jul 14, 2006
Iit was realy good you should make a nother movie. I know a lot over people that want you to make a 2nd movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AndrewM.Apr 12, 2007
Having not read the books I entered the movie without knowing what it was about. I was immediatly blown away by the production and the wit of the writer. I enjoy Jim Carry and think of him as a genious when it comes to bringing life to Having not read the books I entered the movie without knowing what it was about. I was immediatly blown away by the production and the wit of the writer. I enjoy Jim Carry and think of him as a genious when it comes to bringing life to characters. Loved the story, loved the characters and really enjoyed the beautiful art production. Have got it out again and again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JasonK.Nov 14, 2005
The movie Series of Unfortunate Events I thought was pretty cool. It had all the charactors, but the one thing I did not like about the movie was that Klaus did not wear glasses.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
StephanieRAug 27, 2005
This is my favourite movie! The books are good and so is the movie! The only problem is that Jim Carrey made Olaf likeable! But Emily Browning and Liam Aiken were amazing! Kara and Shelby Hoffman were so cute as Sunny! A must see!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
emre3294Aug 30, 2020
hala çok iyi. atmosfer ortam, her şeyin kullanılması, basit ama etkili aletler, aktörler aktrisler her şey. dizisinden daha iyi zira dizisinde akıl oyunları bir kenara atılıyor bir noktadan sonra.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Movie1997Apr 29, 2013
This series of unfortunate not only is dazzling but sweet and heart-felt. A story of three kids whose parent's die in a fire delivered to custody of the snickery Count Olaf seems to be a broad and plain story, but not the setting but the wayThis series of unfortunate not only is dazzling but sweet and heart-felt. A story of three kids whose parent's die in a fire delivered to custody of the snickery Count Olaf seems to be a broad and plain story, but not the setting but the way the story is told is intreeging and exciting. The tone of the story is what helps make this movie one to behold. As far as characters go, the two main children (Violet & Klaus) have some broad moments, but in the end they manage to stick out as good actors. The little girl (Sunny) was a strange character, but was very enjoyable to watch. Yet, it's Jim Carrey's performance as Count Olaf that not only stands out, but has energy and emphasis to the story. Jim is a bit of a quorky actor and some quorkiness in this role, but when you start seeing the villanous side of him, he really stands out. The one main thing I didn't really like about this movie was Meryl Streep's portrayl of Aunt Josephine. Meryl Streep has always been a top notch actress, but finally there's a role that she can't seem to master. The character herself is just uninteresting and strict. The personallity of the character is just one I didn't like at all, especially the fact that her character is a "Grammer-Nazi". I thought it was funny when Count Olaf just about had it and pushed her away from the boat and let her get eaten by the leeches. My favorite part of the movie was the music, especially at the end. It was just poetically done with charm. Where would we be without composer Thomas Newman. Overall, it's a beautiful story of finding happiness through an unfortunate series of events.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
kyle20ellisMar 26, 2022
I liked this movie a lot. Technically, it is beautiful- lovely costumes and sets. The script is also good. Sunny, played by the Hoffmann twins, was what made the film. Everything she said made my whole family laugh. It is perfect for adultsI liked this movie a lot. Technically, it is beautiful- lovely costumes and sets. The script is also good. Sunny, played by the Hoffmann twins, was what made the film. Everything she said made my whole family laugh. It is perfect for adults and adolescents, but very young kids may find it a little frightening. Emily Browning and Liam Aiken are wonderful as Violet and Klaus. I particularly enjoyed seeing Timothy Spall, Billy Conolly and Meryl Streep light up our screens. Jude Law provided the voice of Lemony Snicket perfectly. I have read the books, and have enjoyed them. However, the film does have a drawback. I was a little disappointed in Jim Carrey's performance. I imagined the character as sinister, and Carrey, being an entertaining actor, came across as rather silly. In conclusion, despite that drawback, this is still a very enjoyable film. 8/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
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10
DawdlingPoetNov 20, 2021
This is a very quirky and vivid comedy/fantasy film. The adult characters are quite exaggerated, in terms of their facial expressions, their demeanour, body language and so on.

It is quite creepy in nature, so although it only carries a PGThis is a very quirky and vivid comedy/fantasy film. The adult characters are quite exaggerated, in terms of their facial expressions, their demeanour, body language and so on.

It is quite creepy in nature, so although it only carries a PG rating, it may seem slightly scary for especially young viewers. The plot is quite creepy for one thing, with the children continually running in to the dastardly, villainous uncle Olaf, them continually warning people to be wary of his identity but not listened to and so on. There is mention of a suicide note and many scenes are in (lighting wise) quite dark or stormy surroundings, so, while this is marketed as a family film and doesn't feature any explicit language or graphic violence, I would certainly exercise caution before showing it to younger children. I felt it was quite an immersive film, in as much as the cinematography was very impressive and the mix of the visual effects (with depictions of dingy, cold, creepy caves and large, domineering and old houses) and the instrumental musical score/soundtrack really added to the atmosphere. I felt it was perhaps a bit like a childs fairy tale only perhaps a bit more dark and (obviously) having been brought to life on TV/DVD. There is an element of poignancy to it - particularly in the ending. I should add that there is a narrator present, although his dialogue is sparse and only heard a few times but yet he is crucial, in that he introduces the viewer to the characters (the children) explaining the background to the plot and so on. The narrator appears on screen but only ever as a shadow or silhouette, so we can't put a face to him. I suppose you could say thats a theme throughout, identifying who people really are, who are the ones that (attempt to) shape their future and the consequences of such.

Cast wise, the villain (uncle Olaf) is played by Jim Carrey, giving one of his usual rubbery-faced style comic performances as an evil selfish plot-doer - think along the lines of The Grinch, in which he also played the lead role. Also present is Timothy Spall, who plays the more caring Mr. Poe, while Billy Connolly plays Uncle Monty. I feel like Connolly and Carrey would (potentially) make a good double act but thats just a random thought. Meryl Streep plays one of the childrens guardians, aunt Josephine, who has a peculiar set of fears - seeming quite regal and intellectual, while also clearly troubled.

I won't spoil the ending by saying what happens but I did feel that one or two quite nice points were made via the narrator towards the end. I wouldn't say its by any means sickly sweet - infact at the very start of the film, the narrator warns that this is no 'happy little elf' cartoon film, so count yourself warned. However, content wise, as mentioned earlier, there is no graphic violence or other explicit content, so while its quite spooky and perhaps unsettling, it doesn't have a minimum age rating (being rated PG).

Yes I'd recommend this film, as I found it to be quite immersive, with good, slightly creepy cinemtaography, some poignancy, interesting characters and a curious plot. Its perhaps not entirely original but its certainly an entertaining watch and one that is suitable for most of the family.… Expand
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8
ziGihouseJan 16, 2020
so funny, i was laughing all the movie, highly recommended, in special with kids
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
JJ2FAS4UJan 4, 2022
----------------------------------7.6/10-----------------------------------
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