Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

Critics Consensus

Although it softens the nasty edges of its source material, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a gothic visual treat, and it features a hilariously manic turn from Jim Carrey as the evil Count Olaf.

72%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 162

63%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 485,262

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Movie Info

After the three young Baudelaire siblings are left orphaned by a fire in their mansion, they are carted off to live with their distant relative, Count Olaf (Jim Carrey). Unfortunately, Olaf is a cruel, scheming man only after the inheritance that the eldest Baudelaire, Violet (Emily Browning), is set to receive. The children escape and find shelter with their quirky Uncle Monty (Billy Connolly) and, subsequently, their phobic Aunt Josephine (Meryl Streep), but Olaf is never far behind.
  • Rating:
    PG (Scary Situations|Brief Language|Thematic Elements)
  • Genre:
    kids and family, adventure, comedy, fantasy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Brad Silberling
  • Producer:
    Albie Hecht, Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $118.6M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions, Nickelodeon Movies
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.37:1)

Cast & Crew

Jim Carrey
Count Olaf
Liam Aiken
Klaus Baudelaire
Emily Browning
Violet Baudelaire
Kara Hoffman
Sunny
Shelby Hoffman
Sunny
Jude Law
Lemony Snicket
Voice
Timothy Spall
Mr. Poe
Catherine O'Hara
Justice Strauss
Billy Connolly
Uncle Monty
Meryl Streep
Aunt Josephine
Brad Silberling
Director
Albie Hecht
Producer
Laurie MacDonald
Producer
Walter F. Parkes
Producer
Robert Gordon
Writer
Daniel Handler
Writer (Book)
Scott Aversano
Co-Producer
Minor Childers
Co-Producer
Julia Pistor
Executive Producer
Scott Rudin
Executive Producer
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Critic Reviews for Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

All Critics (162) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (116) | Rotten (46)

View All Critic Reviews (162)

Audience Reviews for Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

  • Jun 14, 2019
    A Series of Unfortunate Events highlights the bizarre lore of Lemony Snicket's encapsulating vision by utilizing a plethora of stars including Meryl Streep and ever-iconic, multi-layered Jim Carrey. The charming adolescent/toddler trio and perilous, yet quirky plot is just enough satisfaction and entertainment to wonder what could have been for this potentially-developing franchise. 3.75/5
    Eugene B Super Reviewer
  • Nov 19, 2016
    I decided to see this since Netflix is turning it into a TV series next year. A great performance from Jim Carrey and an engaging plot, set up for sequels that did not happen, doesn't do the book series justice. Very entertaining and funny.
    Ian W Super Reviewer
  • Aug 04, 2013
    Nowhere near the brilliance of Lemony Snicket's series, the film is a disappointment as far as adaptations go. It is aesthetically pleasing, however, with wonderful visuals. While there is some humor, most of the film is quite lifeless with wooden acting. If only the makers had spent as much time on the script as they did on the aesthetics, the film may feel a little less empty than it does. Ultimately, the film is pretty to look at, but nothing more. Its main failure not only comes from awkward pacing and a bland script, but an attempt to mix in secrets revealed in the last books of the series with the first three installations. Frankly, it doesn't work.
    Matthew Samuel M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 05, 2012
    Was quite different to the books, but offered some new elements and yet worked. The costumes were fantastic, acting was charming. It only the film can receive a Harry Potter treatment then it would be much better.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
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