25 modern book-to-screen adaptations that didn’t let us down

A Series of Unfortunate Events

A Series of Unfortunate Events is a book series that many grew up with, much like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Following the three Baudelaire orphans as they dodge Count Olaf’s repeated attempts to take custody of them and steal their fortune, the book series chronicles unlucky instance after unlucky instance — at least until the siblings begin uncovering the details surrounding their parents’ deaths and all that followed.

And while Lemony Snicket’s novels have been adapted for the big screen before, Netflix’s revival of the story has stolen the show from the original film adaptation. The newer adaptation has both taken the time to journey through all of the story arcs put in place by Snicket (and there are many), and it’s managed to successfully convey the author’s tone and atmosphere through its writing and filmography.

As far as casting goes, Neil Patrick Harris absolutely nails the role of Count Olaf. He’s ridiculous and comical when he should be, and he’s crude and wicked when the situation calls for it. Malina Weissman, Louise Hynes, and Presley Smith also do a stand-up job of portraying the Baudelaire siblings, highlighting Violet’s inventive nature, Klaus’ wit, and Sunny’s penchant for biting things without narrowing the characters to those traits alone.

While the original film starring Jim Carrey also did a decent job of recreating Snicket’s world and characters, Netflix managed to encapsulate almost everything fans wanted to see in an adaptation. After all, a television series is really the only way to bring a 13-book series to the screen.