Something different, but that's not enough... Review on A Series of Unfortunate Events Movie

''Lemony Snicket, who?'' might be the common question in this part of the world. But in the US of A, this series of books is supposedly creating as much hype as Harry Potter. There is no magic though and the tales are definitely dark. By the way, the name belongs to the narrator and is kind of a pseudonym for the author Daniel Handler.

The movie is based on the first three books of the series. The story is of the Baudelaire children, each of them with an interesting characteristic. They lose their parents to a suspicious fire and have to go to stay with some of their relatives. They land up first with Count Olaf, a devious and eccentric man who is behind their wealth. How they escape his clutches form the rest of the movie, which will spawn sequels in all probability. The period which the story is set in is a slightly mysterious, mostly resembling the early part of the last century.

Though the movie is primarily about children and possibly for the older ones amongst them, the dark nature of the proceedings keeps even the grown-ups fairly interested. Some portions are quite unpleasant even for adults. However, there is very little exciting stuff and that shuts off the audience progressively. The inventor sister and knowledgeable brother get very predictable whereas the youngest of them all keeps everyone amused throughout. Also, the movie doesn't flow smoothly and seems to have three distinct parts. A small dose of sentimentality completes the picture.

Carrey is the star of the show, in a villainous role yet again. His mannerisms, in spite of being a bit toned down, are boring. The only reason to be drawn to his character is possibly the superlative make-up. The child actors are adequate, with the Hoffman twins -- any relation to the off-beat actor who also makes a very brief appearance? -- stealing the show. The 'no-language' one-liners add the punch. Streep and Connolly are adequate, with the former getting a chance to do something different.

Special effects, being the life-line of the movie, is done brilliantly. The surroundings though are mildly stale, especially if you have watched Sleepy Hollow. Art direction and costumes are perfect. A lot of details have been incorporated, which might provide on-and-off amusement. Music is pleasant and well-suited.

A refreshing change from run-of-the-mill stuff, the movie fails only in captivating the viewers through the length of it. But the closing titles might pep up sagging minds a bit.