After being in one of the most talked about films of the year, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Jim Carrey goes for a more lighter fare as he takes on the daunting role of Count Olaf in Lemony Snicket’s a Series of Unfortunate Events.
Based on the bestselling book series by Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket, we find ourselves sent into somewhat of an alternate Harry Potter world as we follow the lives of the recently orphaned Baudelaire children as they try to avoid, at all costs, ending up in the hands of their mysterious and greedy Count Olaf. Through a series of “unfortunate events” the children soon begin to learn the true identity of their mysteriously deceased parents and the secrets behind their “other” lives.
Thanks to wonderful casting, brilliant costumes and outstanding set design the world of Lemony Snicket is brought completely to life. Every creak of Olaf’s mansion and crash of the waves near Curdled Cave this film delivers on the superficial level at all points. But this might not be the film for kids of all ages, as the stench of death is always in the air, not to mention really big snakes and very hungry leeches.
Then again, the Snicket books are written for kids, recommended for kids nine and older, so what the hell do I know.
Nevertheless, Lemony Snicket is a really fun movie and with Jim Carrey driving the train it is sure to hit its mark. Plus you can never doubt the movie machine as this one has an ending just begging for a sequel, sp I don’t think this is the last time we will be hearing from Count Olaf and the Baudelaire orphans.
