Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

I read the book, but it was a really long time ago and I didn't realize its connection to this film until it was in progress. Lemony Snicket noticeably tries to adapt the book as faithfully as possible, which is certainly not a bad thing. What’s important is that Brad Siberling has conceived a very simple story about a cunning bastard as a fresh, entertaining and all-around fairy-tale spectacle that fulfils everything I would expect from a purely children's film. First of all, the sensibly chosen runtime (the film is only 92 minutes long!) is worth praise, as well as the beautiful make-up and costumes and, of course, the actors, led by a made-up Jim Carrey and an anxious Meryl Streep. As a small child I would certainly have jumped in joy, now I just hummed along contentedly... (06/06/2012)

If the story were overall a bit more polished and didn't have an ending that unnecessarily tries for emotions that simply aren't there, it would be an incredibly good film. It has its poetry, its charm, and it's incredibly entertaining, thanks in part to Carrey, who showcases himself as a great chameleon, but that's also well-known about him. It’s pleasant, but it's missing a little something extra to make it perfect. (26/03/2015)

This is great. Jim Carrey is really good here. You don't often see a prince like this Count Olaf. I mean, it is not seen especially today - in the (not only) crazy comedies of the sixties, seventies and eighties we would certainly find a few "good guys" like him. Praise also goes to Brad Silberling, because the film is sensational, it doesn't get boring and looks perfect, the performances of all three children were also magical, Meryl Strep did not disappoint either.... Oh, and Dustin Hoffman's barking was such a treat. Four and a bit, I laughed from start to finish. (25/12/2010)

Amazing stuff! The absolute king of the adventure, fantasy, comedy, family film genres. The story of two orphans who change guardians because each time they run into a weirdo. The film is full of black humour, tragedy follows tragedy, there is an absolutely diabolical Jim Carrey with his typical expressions, only that here he is very evil! The xenophobic Meryl Streep is also great – for example, she is afraid to go to the fridge and fall into it. 90% I recommend it to everyone, guaranteed fun. Made my day. (04/12/2015)

Jim Carrey's acting tour de force was perhaps a little too annoying at times, but the child actors were good, Sunny had funny "comments" at times. Meryl Streep, who had a phobia of just about everything, again delighted in her small role. The film offers a solid plot, decent visual effects (the house on the cliff, the leeches) and make-up effects (Carrey). (14/07/2009)