"A Series of Unfortunate Events" (ASOUE) is almost ready for its Netflix launch of Friday, Jan. 13. Author Daniel Handler, who wrote the best-selling book series the show is based from, and director Barry Sonnenfeld are excited for its debut and they have good reasons why.
Handler and Sonnenfeld were originally part of the ASOUE movie production in 2004, which starred Jim Carrey. But they met their own "unfortunate event" when the studie fired from the production. The movie was a blockbuster but planned sequels didn't progress.
Now, Handler jokes that the Netflix series is his and Sonnenfeld's revenge, according to their interview on the South China Morning Post. They have campaigned and worked hard to get the story a second chance on the small screen and Netflix took them up to task.
Excitement for the launch of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" on the streaming site has been brewing since the show was announced in the spring of 2016. The book series, which consists of 13 volumes, has an ardent following of fans who hope that the Netflix adaptation will be satisfying.
Last fall, Netflix ramped its marketing with releases of teasers featuring actors like Neil Patrick Harris (Count Olaf), Patrick Warburton (Lemony Snicket), Malina Weisman (Violet Baudelaire) and Louis Hynes (Klaus Baudelaire). The show also has an impressive ensemble of theater-trained actors and Hollywood veterans like Joan Cusack, Catherine O' Hara, Alfre Woodward, Aasif Madvi, K. Todd Freeman and Usman Ally.
Early reviews have already trickled down as the release date draws nearer. Variety cites that "every element" of the show comes together well - from the casting, to the visuals, to the writing and direction. It describes ASOUE as a "bewitching modern fairy tale."
The Hollywood Reporter states that ASOUE delivers a good mix of CGI and story-telling. The article commends the "uber talented" supporting cast and singles out Cusack's performance as "delightful."
IGN notes that nothing about ASOUE's production is unfortunate. The review cites that it has the markings of "a great new series." It credits Harris as being fitting for the part of the show's villain and Warburton's presence brings a fun transition between scenes.
Catch "A Series of Unfortunate Events" as it debuts the first season on Netflix on Friday, Jan. 13. Check out the latest teaser in the video below.
