Loved Lemony Snicket's, real name Daniel Handler, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' book series when younger. Am still very fond of them, especially for the juicy character of Count Olaf, the atmosphere and the darkly humorous and mystery-laden prose. Though can understand anybody's reservations of the repetitiveness of the formula (actually thought it became less so in the later books) and the stupidity and sometimes ridiculously so of the adult characters.
This series adaptation of 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' to me did a very good job bringing the details and spirit of the book to life. It shows faithfulness to the books without that being an undoing, while putting its own flavour on it and expanding the characters and story strands (for instance the theatrical troupe are far more colourful and interesting in the series in my view). It does very well with adapting 'The Vile Village' as a two parter (which is exactly what it should have been done as in my view), expanding the characters and events without padding them out too much. It takes what sounds like an implausible premise, once again showing some of the worst adult character stupidity, and makes it entertaining and suspenseful.
Do feel that the second part of "The Vile Village" does better at this though. "The Vile Village: Part 1" still entertains in a darkly witty way and intrigues, it just takes a little too long to set up and some parts and characters are more interesting and important than others. Count Olaf and Jacques are by far the most compelling characters and their head to head is edge-of-the-seat worthy.
Not as effective are the Baudelaires, again overshadowed in development and characterisation with Klaus especially having too little to do, and Mr Poe becomes more pointless, inept and annoying with each episode.
Am aware that Snicket's narration and interjections garnered a very mixed response understandably, it left me mixed throughout the series, actually think that they do raise a smile and chuckle and are well written but the placement is sometimes over-explanatory and heavy-handed. Patrick Warburton's delivery helps quite a lot. Nathan Fillion very nearly steals the show as Jacques, if not quite from the ever insanely enjoyable Neil Patrick Harris (a perfect mix of sinister and fun in a juicy role that plays to his strengths as a performer of many talents). The character interaction is great, especially Jacques and Olaf, Jacques and Olivia and Olaf and Esme. The Hook-Handed Man is a scene stealer.
From start to finish, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' was an exceptionally well made series. That is still obvious in "The Vile Village: Part 1". VFD absolutely lives up to its vile, deliciously so, name, it is very much the dystopia that it should be. Absolutely love the opening titles sequence, it looks incredible, is so cleverly done and the music establishes what is to be expected of the series' tone beautifully. The music has suspense, wit and in keeping with the tone of the story. The dialogue has really come on and the dark humour and tension is much stronger than when 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' first started, the breaking the fourth wall is fun. Jacques has the best lines, and there is a fun small exchange regarding the tattoo on the ankle. The acting also seems more confident with the one sore spot being K. Todd Freeman, Fillion and Harris faring best with the best material. Lucy Punch has also made a strong impression since "The Ersatz Elevator".
Summarising, very well executed first part but the second part is better. 8/10
This series adaptation of 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' to me did a very good job bringing the details and spirit of the book to life. It shows faithfulness to the books without that being an undoing, while putting its own flavour on it and expanding the characters and story strands (for instance the theatrical troupe are far more colourful and interesting in the series in my view). It does very well with adapting 'The Vile Village' as a two parter (which is exactly what it should have been done as in my view), expanding the characters and events without padding them out too much. It takes what sounds like an implausible premise, once again showing some of the worst adult character stupidity, and makes it entertaining and suspenseful.
Do feel that the second part of "The Vile Village" does better at this though. "The Vile Village: Part 1" still entertains in a darkly witty way and intrigues, it just takes a little too long to set up and some parts and characters are more interesting and important than others. Count Olaf and Jacques are by far the most compelling characters and their head to head is edge-of-the-seat worthy.
Not as effective are the Baudelaires, again overshadowed in development and characterisation with Klaus especially having too little to do, and Mr Poe becomes more pointless, inept and annoying with each episode.
Am aware that Snicket's narration and interjections garnered a very mixed response understandably, it left me mixed throughout the series, actually think that they do raise a smile and chuckle and are well written but the placement is sometimes over-explanatory and heavy-handed. Patrick Warburton's delivery helps quite a lot. Nathan Fillion very nearly steals the show as Jacques, if not quite from the ever insanely enjoyable Neil Patrick Harris (a perfect mix of sinister and fun in a juicy role that plays to his strengths as a performer of many talents). The character interaction is great, especially Jacques and Olaf, Jacques and Olivia and Olaf and Esme. The Hook-Handed Man is a scene stealer.
From start to finish, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' was an exceptionally well made series. That is still obvious in "The Vile Village: Part 1". VFD absolutely lives up to its vile, deliciously so, name, it is very much the dystopia that it should be. Absolutely love the opening titles sequence, it looks incredible, is so cleverly done and the music establishes what is to be expected of the series' tone beautifully. The music has suspense, wit and in keeping with the tone of the story. The dialogue has really come on and the dark humour and tension is much stronger than when 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' first started, the breaking the fourth wall is fun. Jacques has the best lines, and there is a fun small exchange regarding the tattoo on the ankle. The acting also seems more confident with the one sore spot being K. Todd Freeman, Fillion and Harris faring best with the best material. Lucy Punch has also made a strong impression since "The Ersatz Elevator".
Summarising, very well executed first part but the second part is better. 8/10
