Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Unfortunately Fortunate


THE PLOT (6 stars - Above Average)
Riveting rendition to Snicket's children's book series.  It tells the grim misadventures of the Baudelaire orphans.  Sarcastic it may seem, I like the spoof of the introductory Happy Little Elf, then back to the sickening reality of the children's fate.


THE PERFORMANCE (8 stars - Very Good)
Carrey is perfect as Olaf, he gives a comic touch to the character.  Can't help laughing on his over-the-top performances.  Superb casting from the adorable Baudelaire children to the supporting cast of Streep, Connolly, to the brilliant voice of Law.


THE PRODUCTION (8 stars - Very Good)
Impressive artwork!  From standout sets, chic costumes, to Oscar-winning make-ups - overall aesthetics flaunt theatrical influence.  I enjoy Thomas Newman's original music - reminiscing of "Six Feet Under" theme.  Wonderful work on catching the "eerie" and “depressing” mood surrounding the Baudelaire siblings.



OVERALL SCORE
(6 + 8 + 8) / 3 = 7.33
7/10 points = Good



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Karl Williams)
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on 15 users)    

2.  Amazon
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 384 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 1,542 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Jules Brenner)
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
     = 6.9/10.0 stars (based on 58,570 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 62/100 points (based on 37 critics)
     = 6.7/10.0 points (based on 131 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 68/100 points (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on critics)
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 3,988 users)

9.  Rotten Tomatoes
     = 71/100 points (based on 155 critics)
     = 61/100 points (based on 451,656 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = B- (based on 12 critics)
     = B (based on 32,192 users)


THE GIST
Unfortunately for the evildoers, nothing can't stop the heart of the inventor, the mind of the reader, and the will of the biter... especially, when bounded by love of friends.  :)




EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"There's always something."

- Violet

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Browless and Tatooless" Stefano

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Surviving the train

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER

Production Budget                            $140 M
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Domestic Gross              $118.6 M
Foreign Gross                   $90.4 M
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Worldwide Gross                              $209 M
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Profit                                                $69 M





6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Academy Awards, USA (Oscars)
Winner:                   - Best Achievement in Make-up
Nominated:             - Best Achievement in Art Direction
                              - Best Achievement in Costume Design
                              - Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures,
                                Original Score

MTV Movie Awards, USA
Nominated:             - Best Villain (Jim Carrey)

Saturn Awards, USA
(Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films)
Nominated:             - Best DVD Special Edition Release
                              - Best Fantasy Film
                              - Best Make-Up

Teen Choice Awards, USA
Winner:                  - Choice Movie Bad Guy (Jim Carrey)
Nominated:            - Choice Movie Actor: Action Adventure/Thriller
                              - Choice Movie Liar (Jim Carrey)