Opened: December 17, 2004

Directed by: Brad Silberling

Starring: Jim Carrey, Emily Browning, Liam Aiken, Kara Hoffman, Shelby Hoffman, Jude Law, Timothy Spall, Billy Connolly, Meryl Streep, Jamie Harris, Catherine O’Hara, Cedric the Entertainer, Luis Guzmán, Craig Ferguson, Jennifer Coolidge, Jane Adams, Fred Gallo, Deborah Theaker, Rick Heinrichs, Amy Brenneman, Dustin Hoffman, Jane Lynch & Gilbert Gottfried

Though I have admittedly not read the books which this film is based on, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is a thrilling comedy even if it doesn’t go as dark as it should.

When the Baudelaire siblings Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Liam Aiken) and Sunny (Kara & Shelby Hoffman) become orphans, they are taken in by the villainous Count Olaf (Jim Carrey), who seeks to gain control of the family’s fortune.

Carrey is maniacally wonderful as Olaf and his various disguises. He never misses a mark and makes every moment funny. Supporting actors Meryl Streep, Catherine O’Hara and Billy Connolly also have great moments, but their energy often overshadows the child actors.

Based on the limited knowledge I have of the books, it seems the movie softened the edges a bit, which is disappointing.

Final say: Not unfortunate. ★★★★☆