Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events Review
by Chris McGeachy (chrismcg AT shaw DOT ca)December 16th, 2004
Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events
** out of ****
It's always comforting to know during the holiday season that the loveable chimps down in Hollywood central are making films aimed towards children. Much like other festive traditions, people look forward to seeing films that appeal to the kid in us all. In an attempt to fill the void of the absent Harry Potter slot this season, Paramount and director Brad Siberling bring David Handler's stories to life in Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. The story takes place in a pseudo-fifties British suburbia, following the lives of three very gifted-and-recently-orphaned youngsters.
The Beaudelaire children are put into the custody of the eccentric and evil Count Olaf (Carrey) - who is acting on behalf of his own personal gain, hoping to do away with the children and acquire their large inheritance.
The children are Violet - the oldest and the inventor of the bunch, Klaus - the bookworm and middle child, and baby Sunny - who has a very good bite (yes, bite.). Count Olaf lives in a mansion as twisted and askew as his persona, and this doesn't bode well for the children as they try to evade his plans to take what is rightfully theirs. Throughout the film the children befriend distant relatives, including Uncle Montgomery (Billy Connelly), and Aunt Josephine (Meryl Streep) who are as bizarre as the Count, but far more caring. During their journey the children discover that their parents may have been hiding secrets, and even living a double life which ultimately leads the children back into the waiting arms of Olaf.
Handler's direction shows lots of promise as the film looks and feels very authentic. Everything from the locations to the costuming and special effects are done with close attention to detail, and help make Lemony Snicket a much more convincing affair. Unfortunately however the film's direction is usurped by poor writing and inconsistencies within the plot.
For instance, very early on in the film Klaus discovers a spyglass in the ruins of their charred home. This spyglass becomes a significant plot device throughout the film leading the children into the mystery of Mr. and Mrs. Beaudelaire. The mystery is built up through the film until the climax, where it's dealt with halfheartedly and is dissipated in one fell swoop leaving many questions unanswered.
Carrey's Count Olaf is a good villain at times, but the sheer irrational nature of the people who are supposed to be watching out for the well being of the Beaudelaire children is astoundingly frustrating and makes it hard to endure his antics. And after being put back in his custody time after time the film leaves a rather unsettling feeling that nothing that these children say or do really matters, and that Count Olaf will always win no matter what. Rather than delve deeper into the characters, this film is a series of cat and mouse chases - Count Olaf sets a trap and the children must use their wits to evade him. By the end of the film these character have really had no development, especially Olaf who is nothing more than a greedy drive with a goofy face.
The story is kept afloat and moving by the narration of Jude Law, who provides the voice of Lemony Snicket - the man behind the story. The silhouette of this man is shown throughout the film, dangling bits and bobs seen in the story or that are yet to be revealed. Billy Connelly's Monty Montgomery is also a breath of fresh air as he's much more compassionate to the children, easing the tension that Count Olaf built up through the audience's first encounter with him. Overall Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events is just that - a series of very well shot, well produced scenes that hinge together, but are part of something that is lacking entertainment value and the ability to be truly engaging. The story arc just doesn't jive - as loose ends are left untied, and characters are left unexplained and misunderstood, and while the film does have a lot of gloss it felt hollow and unexplained.
© Chris McGeachy (December 16, 2004)
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