Film: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

Release date

17 December 2004 (cert PG)

The stars

Jim Carrey plays the terrible Count Olaf and Jude Law is the voice of Lemony Snicket.

The plot

Based on the popular kids' books by Lemony Snicket, this film is about the adventures of the three unlucky Baudelaire orphans.

When the children receive the news that their parents died in a mysterious fire, they must find a new home.

Unfortunately, they are first placed in the hands of Count Olaf who will do whatever it takes to steal their inheritance.

Throughout the film the orphans are placed in the care of other people who give clues about their parent's death but to their grief, Count Olaf constantly stays on their trail.

Best bits

When Count Olaf pretends to be Uncle Monty's lab assistant Stephano.

Uncle Monty (Billy Connolly) gives him a test to milk a snake and Olaf runs off - throwing off his disguise as he disappears out of the door.

Fave characters

The Bauldelaire children are all great. Violet is 14, and the eldest. She is a really clever inventor and thinks on her feet.

The youngest child Sunny loves to bite, and speaks in a way that only her brother and sister can understand!

Any weak bits?

The film doesn't cover the entire Lemony Snicket book series, otherwise it's a great film.

Hit or miss?

A hit and a half! The film is enjoyable and clever, and Jim Carrey is absolutely brilliant as Count Olaf.

There are plenty of creepy and funny parts, and fans of Lemony Snicket's books will love the film from beginning to end!

NR rating:

Have YOU seen Lemony Snicket? Let us know what you thought of it! Send your reviews using the form top right.

I really loved it. I didn't think that I would, but it was great! Recommend it to anyone.

Tanya, 14, London

Although the film was very good the books are so much better. I don't think you would understand the film very much if you hadn't read the books.

Charlie, 10, Leicester

I thought this film was brill. I had never heard of it before this but now I am desperate to read the books.

Harriet, 13, Ponteland

It's really good, but not as good as the books. I couldn't help but feel that they left out some of the best bits from the books they used for the film.

Orla, 11, London

Jim Carrey was rubbish at the role of Count Olaf. He turned the character into a comedian which is soo not right.

Zainab, 14, Dorset

Me and my dad went to see it for a birthday treat for me and he would normally fall asleep through the films I pick but he enjoyed the whole thing and he stayed awake! I thought it was easily the best film even better than Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter!

Abi, 12, Lymington

I read the Lemony Snicket books and I was really excited when it came out. It was a really good movie and was the best movie I have seen in ages. Jim Carrey was really funny.

Charmi, 10, Edgware

This film ROCKS! Jim Carrey is the funniest man on the planet. If you haven't seen this film you are missing out big time!

Niamh, 11, Ireland

I thought it was brilliant. Jim Carrey is so funny and is such a good actor.

Jay, 14, Scotland

I loved the film it was great and so was Jim Carrey in it. My favourite character was Violet and I loved all the cool inventions she made to help them get out of trouble. I haven't read the books so I can't judge the state of the films by what is in the books but I can say that if the books are as good as the film then I would read them over and over again!!!!!

Claire, 14, Livingston

They have really ruined the books I loved. It seemed to go on and on and on!!! Jim Carrey was soooo not right for the role.

Lou, 11, Milton Keynes