Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1/2

Adapted from the childrens novels by author Lemony Snicket, A Series of Unfortunate Events is a dark comedy about the misadventures of three gifted orphans: 14-year-old Violet (Emily Browning), 12-year-old Klaus (Liam Aiken) and infant Sunny (Kara and Shelby Hoffman). Narrated by Lemony Snicket (Jude Law), the story begins as the Bauedelaire orphans discover that their parents have perished in a fire that destroyed the family mansion. Parentless and homeless, the children meet their new guardian: an eccentric relative named Count Olaf (Jim Carrey). The children quickly discover that Olaf only wants their substantial inheritance, even if it means arranging their deaths. The children use their unique physical and intellectual resources to escape Olaf, seeking shelter in exotic locales with other relatives including neurotic Aunt Josephine (Meryl Streep). But Olaf passionately pursues the children and their inheritance.

A Series of Unfortunate Events has real potential with interesting characters, wonderfully artistic visuals, and a story with great twists and turns. Unfortunately, the film fails to tie these elements together and is thematically underdeveloped, leaving viewers with the disappointed feeling that something is missing from the story. A brief conversation at one point in the film suggests a theme of discerning the difference between good people and bad people. This is apparently fleshed out in the contrast between Count Olaf and the childrens other potential guardians, but this contrast is weak since the good adults are more nave than the orphans. Even though its objectionable content is minimal, the film is somewhat dark and may frighten younger children. All in all, families can probably find a better option for an entertaining evening.

Preview Reviewer: Shaun Daugherty
Distributor: Paramount Pictures