... Will they manage to keep away from him? Or are they destined to lead an unhappy life with Count Olaf as their guardian?
I should note hear that I have never read the Lemony Snicket books and can therefore not compare the book with the film. In fact, I would probably never have watched this ... Read review
If you spliced Charles Addams, Dr. Seuss, Charles Dickens, Edward Gorey, and Roald Dahl ... more
into a Tim Burtonesque landscape, you'd surely come up with something likeLemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Many critics (in mostly mixed reviews) wo...
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Dear Viewer, If you enjoy movies filled with singing rabbits, exploding spaceships, or ... more
cheerleaders, you are holding the wrong DVD entirely. This movie is extremely alarming, an expression which here means a thrilling misadventure involving three ingen...
If you spliced Charles Addams, Dr. Seuss, Charles Dickens, Edward Gorey, and Roald Dahl ... more
into a Tim Burtonesque landscape, you'd surely come up with something likeLemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Many critics (in mostly mixed reviews) wo...
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Mishaps. Mayhem. Misadventures. Oh joy. A wickedly entertaining movie about the ... more
misadventures of the three Baudelaire orphans who must use their wits and resources to escape the clutches of villainous Count Olaf (Carrey) a distant relative who plots ...
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Dear ViewerIf you enjoy movies filled with singing rabbits, exploding spaceships, or ... more
cheerleaders, you are holding the wrong DVD entirely.This movie is extremely alarming, an expression which here means a thrilling misadventure involving three ingeniou...
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: Engaging story, Jim Carey Disadvantages: Drags a bit towards the end
...I have never read the Lemony Snicket books and can therefore not compare the book with the film. In fact, I would probably never have watched this film if it weren't amongst a collection of DVDs I borrowed from my friend's teenage son. I also knew that Jim Carey starred in the film; what I wasn't expecting was that he would give a really good performance. As Count Olaf, there was none of the usual face-pulling - I suspect that his make-up may have ... ...character. Finally, Jude Law plays Lemony Snicket, who occasionally narrates the story of the Baudelaire orphans. We don't see his face until right at the end; I must admit I didn't realise it was him until then. He has a good reading voice when he's not putting on a silly accent.
The pacing of the story is excellent until right towards the end when I thought it began to drag a little. In the first two thirds of the film at least, ... more
The Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus and baby Sunny, are devastated when their parents are killed and their family home is destroyed in a fire. The man in charge of their parents' estate takes them to their new guardian, the ominously named Count Olaf. However, the children soon realise that Count Olaf is never going to make them feel at home as he forces them to cook and clean, before locking them up in the attic. Being both resourceful and intelligent, the children manage to escape from his clutches and are taken to a new guardian. But Count Olaf wants their inheritance and the only way to get it is through the children. Will they manage to keep away from him? Or are they destined to lead an unhappy life with Count Olaf as their guardian?
I should note hear that I have never read the Lemony Snicket books and can therefore not compare the book with the film. In fact, I would probably never have watched this film if it weren't amongst a collection of DVDs I borrowed from my friend's teenage son. I also knew that Jim Carey starred in the film; what I wasn't expecting was that he would give a really good performance. As Count Olaf, there was none of the usual face-pulling - I suspect that his make-up may have put a stop to that!! - and although he leapt around, I felt that this was a much more controlled performance than usual. Bearing in mind that this is a children's story, he might have been allowed a little more daftness than usual, but I really liked him just as he was - creepy and threatening, without being too over the top scary. His make-up is excellent - he changes into different characters throughout the film - and although the children always managed to recognise him, I didn't at first!
The Baudelaire children, Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Liam Aiken) and Sunny (played by the Hoffman twins) are all good. Violet, whose role is probably the most intense, is also probably the best actress. She has a lovely face and manages to look both clever and innocent at the same time - perfect for the role. Liam Aiken as Klaus is also good as a boy too young to cope with the death of his parents, but too old to not be frightened of the future. The Hoffman twins as Sunny are delightful. Sunny is a toddler and can't talk properly, although Violet and Klaus always know what she is saying, and so do we, thanks to subtitles.
Billy Connolly as Uncle Monty and Meryl Streep as Aunt Josephine are surprisingly good. I particularly liked Meryl Streep, who plays a woman frightened of everything - very different from her usual very together and sleek self. Then there is Timothy Spall, the executor of the children's estate, who never quite believes that the children are in as much danger as they say. The role gives Spall the chance to bumble around, something he has got rather good at - I was reminded of his Harry Potter character. Finally, Jude Law plays Lemony Snicket, who occasionally narrates the story of the Baudelaire orphans. We don't see his face until right at the end; I must admit I didn't realise it was him until then. He has a good reading voice when he's not putting on a silly accent.
The pacing of the story is excellent until right towards the end when I thought it began to drag a little. In the first two thirds of the film at least, there is always something happening and never time to get bored. The problem towards the end is that things begin to get a little repetitive - after the third time the children escape from Count Olaf's clutches, I just didn't find it very enchanting any more. The ending though does make up for it.
The setting is very dark and gothic - I was reminded a lot of Bram Stoker's Dracula and Tim Burton's films at times. I wouldn't have been surprised if Helena Bonham Carter suddenly appeared on screen. I think the story is supposed to be set in Victorian times, although I could be wrong, but then sometimes there are flashes of contemporary life in the form of cars and trains. The set was beautifully put together - I particularly liked the burnt-out shell of the Baudelaire's home and Aunt Josephine's cliff-top house - the attention to detail is absolutely amazing and very realistic.
The rating for this film is PG and I think this is probably about right. There are some very dark moments and it could be distressing for some children - then again, many children's stories seem to have rather frightening plots - just look at Red Riding Hood and The Three Bears! Still, it would probably be a good idea to check the film out before letting very young children watch it.
I was pleasantly surprised by this film. It is entertaining, well-acted and visually very attractive. I'm sure that a lot of people think that it is only for the children, but I think it has a lot to offer adults as well. I have dropped one star because of the way that I felt it dragged towards the end, but I still recommend it to all but the very youngest age groups.
The DVD is available from play.com for £4.99 (free delivery).
sunmeilan 07.03.2008 (07.03.2008)
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Review of Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events (DVD)
Advantages: Great actors, good story Disadvantages: May be too long for younger children
Lemony Snicket has given us a wonderful and magical film with this one. The film also has many stars in which just add to the enjoyment and viewing.
The film starts with Lemony Snicket, played by Jude Law, telling us about a story he is about to tell and how if we like films with happy endings then we are watching the wrong film. He then introduces us to the Baudelaire children, Violet, the eldest who is an inventor, Klaus the middle son who loves ... ...Brad Sliberling and the real Lemony Snicket commentary
Building a bad actor - The process of creating Count Olaf
Making the Baudelaire children miserable - casting the children
Interactive Olaf - Costume and Character test
Orphaned Scenes - Outtakes involving nervous laughter.
These bonus features are definitely worth a watch as it gives a bit of info into the making of the characters and the outtakes are quite funny but I would not go out of ...
sewbizzie 07.10.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events (DVD)
Advantages: Good against evil, where good obviously wins Disadvantages: Carrey is scary...
...Law, as the voice of Lemony Snicket the fictional author of this story, this is enjoyable in many ways. The children actors, particularly Emily Browning - who plays Violet, do a very good job. Billy Connolly and Meryl Streep play kind Monty and obsessive Josephine respectively and Timothy Spall is Mr Poe - all play their parts very well.
Uncle Monty is a kind man, who breeds and keeps reptiles in his large country house. One of which is a harmless ... ....... Sunny
Jude Law .... Lemony Snicket (voice)
Timothy Spall .... Mr. Poe
Catherine O'Hara .... Justice Strauss
Billy Connolly .... Uncle Monty
Meryl Streep .... Aunt Josephine
Runtime 108 minutes
Cert PG
This is a different type of film for Jim Carrey, though. We have no face-bending, no over exaggerated expressions. No zany antics. He camps it up well as Olaf - seriously bad actor with a big entourage. Yet the character is not a very nice ...
Borg 05.04.2006 (06.04.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events (DVD)
Advantages: Great special effects, fantastic storyline, Disadvantages: A bit sad in places
...first three books written by Lemony Snicket. These are the bad beggining, the reptile room and the wide window. I found the books good but the film even better. The film tells the story about three orphans. Violet is the eldest, Klaus the middle one and Sunny the youngest. A terrible fire destroys the children's home and kills their parents. Their parents had a fortune and their house was like a mansion. After their parents deaths the children go ... ...several books written by Lemony Snicket which trace the childrens adventures. I suppose we will have to wait and see if any of the other books are made into films. A great film for children and adults alike. As said before Carey makes this film better by his usual excellent acting skills. If you haven't seen this film yet watch it, you will not be disappointed especially if you are a fan of Carey. ...
selket135 25.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events (DVD)
Advantages: an thoroughly enjoyable film that makes you smile! Disadvantages: the set isn't a real place!
This film is thoroughly enjoyable, perfect for watching anytime of the day & with anyone, I think that everyone will be able to find something that will make them smile & something to enjoy!
I have read that this film is based on books, at the risk of sounding illiterate, I have never read any of the books, or heard of them (until this film), so unfortunately I can not compare as others have done in their reviews.
The film tells the unfortunate ... ...great inventor, when she has an idea or is inventing something she ties her hair up with a ribbon, Klaus (the middle child) has a photographic memory and remembers everything he reads, Sunny (the youngest) loves to bite things (and yes this does come in handy).
As the films title indicates, a series of unfortunate events occur, firstly the children are orphaned when their parents are killed in a freak fire that burns down the beautiful beau de Laire ...
tazzywazzy 10.03.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events (DVD)
Advantages: Great for all ages Disadvantages: none I can think of
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events has got to be one of the most interesting childrens films I ever seen. Can't say that it is based on anything similar at all, or not to my knowledge and I love that about a film, especially when you have kids who like to replay the same films over and over again.
It is about three special children Klaus who loves to read, Violet who loves to invent things and Sunny a toddler who loves to bite things, ... ...after their parents home burns down, who are bequeathed a massive fortune. The film is about their adventures with their three eccentric guardians Count Olaf (Jim Carrey), Uncle Monty (Billy Connolly ) and Aunt Josephine The first guardian Count Olaf, a villainous one starred by Jim Carrey supported by his acting troup, tries by any means to get his hands on the childrens fortune. Jim Carrey as the villainous guardian acting is brilliant, scary, ...
llbcollins 19.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events (DVD)
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Advantages: the unique and bizarre style Disadvantages: seems to be the only film out of the series.
THE STORY
based on the first three books (the bed begining, the reptile room and the wide window) from the collection of 13: 'lemonysnicket's a series of unfortunateevents'. we follow three orphans, (eldest child and inventor violet, middle child and reader klaus, and baby sunny the biter) after a mysterious fire at their home leads them to a sinister reltive count olaf (played by jim carrey). the children escape this so called relative, who proves to be murderously meddling, appearing throughtout the film in different disguises, killing off each new gaurdian in order to capture the orphans and claim thier fortune for himself. olaf is played by carrey very well, providing many memorable comedic scenes. lots of famous faces also make an appearance (such as meryl streep as a grammactically obsessed aunt, and reptile loving billy ...
Directed by Brad Siberling, LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS follows the Baudelaire orphans--Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Liam Aiken), and baby Sunny (played by twins Kara and Shelby Hoffman)--as they are followed by the wicked Count Olaf (Jim Carrey). A distant relative and an awful actor, Olaf is determined to claim the fortune willed to Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, whose parents died in a mysterious fire. Enigmatic author Lemony Snicket (Jude Law) recounts the adventures of the three children as they change hands from the conniving Olaf to the reptile-loving Uncle Monty (Billy Connolly) to Aunt Josephine (Meryl Steep), who lives in fear of just about everything. An adaptation that condenses the first three books in the series--THE BAD BEGINNING, THE REPTILE ROOM, and THE WIDE WINDOW--into one instalment, the film captures the darkly humorous tone of the popular children's novels by Lemony Snicket (AKA Daniel Handler). Carrey clearly has fun with his intentionally over-the-top role as the villain, while the young actors embody their resourceful characters wonderfully. The true star of the film, however, may be the production design of Rick Heinrichs (SLEEPY HOLLOW), which creates a visually stunning world filled with gothic mansions and ramshackle houses. By keeping the heart of the eccentric books intact, A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS proves to be an usually inventive and quirky Hollywood film.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
DREAMWORKS HOME ENTERTAINMENT; PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT, DREAMWORKS HOME ENTERTAINMENT; UNIVERSAL MUSIC OPERATIONS
Director Commentary, Building A Bad Actor, Making The Baudelaire Children Miserable Casting The Children, Interactive Olaf Costume And Character Test, Orphaned Scenes Dismal Deletions And Obnoxious Outtakes
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English Hungarian
Professional reviews
Review
One of the most inventive family films ever. (News of the World, )
DVD Description
Directed by Brad Siberling, LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS follows the Baudelaire orphans--Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Liam Aiken), and baby Sunny (played by twins Kara and Shelby Hoffman)--as they are followed by the wicked Count Olaf (Jim Carrey). A distant relative and an awful actor, Olaf is determined to claim the fortune willed to Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, whose parents died in a mysterious fire. Enigmatic author Lemony Snicket (Jude Law) recounts the adventures of the three children as they change hands from the conniving Olaf to the reptile-loving Uncle Monty (Billy Connolly) to Aunt Josephine (Meryl Steep), who lives in fear of just about everything. An adaptation that condenses the first three books in the series--THE BAD BEGINNING, THE REPTILE ROOM, and THE WIDE WINDOW--into one instalment, the film captures the darkly humorous tone of the popular children's novels by Lemony Snicket (AKA Daniel Handler). Carrey clearly has fun with his intentionally over-the-top role as the villain, while the young actors embody their resourceful characters wonderfully. The true star of the film, however, may be the production design of Rick Heinrichs (SLEEPY HOLLOW), which creates a visually stunning world filled with gothic mansions and ramshackle houses. By keeping the heart of the eccentric books intact, A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS proves to be an usually inventive and quirky Hollywood film.
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