"The Bad Beginning: Part 1", that started off this 2017-2019 adaptation of 'A Series of Unfortunate Events', was a pretty decent start. It was basically setting the story up and setting things up for what was to come, and despite finding a few faults with it (namely pacing and not being able to get behind one casting choice) it didn't do too badly at all in that respect. So watching the second part of the adaptation of the book series' first book was definitely going to be happening.
And "The Bad Beginning's" second part turned out to be well worth the watch. In many ways it was the superior half, as it did feel more settled and there was more to it, it also progresses more in forward momentum. Again, "The Bad Beginning: Part 2" was not perfect, but there was still nonetheless a lot to like and enjoy and there is more than enough to make one compelled to seeing the rest of the 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' adaptation. Which is definitely worth doing so, even with stumbles along the way.
Occasionally the pace could have tightened, especially in the early portions, though generally the pacing is better here as there is more going on and more tension.
Did feel that Olaf's theatrical troupe, even for characters that called for theatrical acting, overplayed on occasion and not all their dialogue was as funny or as creepy as ought. The exception was the scene stealing Hook-Handed Man.
Like the first part however, "The Bad Beginning: Part 2" looks great. Love the uniquely somewhat ambiguous sense of time and place in a dark fantasy-ish sort of way and the deliciously dark atmosphere. The photography is pleasing on the eye while also being very eerie. Oh and that opening credits sequence is to die for, makes one want to dive in straightaway. Count Olaf's home gives one the creeps and the latter portions involving the play is a disturbingly fond reminder for anybody who's ever been in amateur theatrical groups. The music is also a good match for the atmosphere and the story sets up these unfortunate events mostly with a mysteriousness and intrigue.
Both the pace and dialogue are generally better here, neither perfect but the dialogue that Olaf and Hook-Handed Man have is a hoot. The narration is a little more natural, and serves as a not too distracting active role in the storytelling. Really liked Patrick Warburton's enigmatic and deadpan delivery of it. Neil Patrick Harris continues to be inspired casting, even more sinister and fun here even though the rest of the series showcases the character's evil and outlandishness more. The children, whose way of thinking, traits and hobbies are utilised more, are still fine, though always did prefer Sunny in the film. Usman Ally steals every moment he's part of. Mr Poe's casting is the only one that never did anything for me in this adaptation.
Summarising, very nicely done and an improved second part. 8/10
And "The Bad Beginning's" second part turned out to be well worth the watch. In many ways it was the superior half, as it did feel more settled and there was more to it, it also progresses more in forward momentum. Again, "The Bad Beginning: Part 2" was not perfect, but there was still nonetheless a lot to like and enjoy and there is more than enough to make one compelled to seeing the rest of the 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' adaptation. Which is definitely worth doing so, even with stumbles along the way.
Occasionally the pace could have tightened, especially in the early portions, though generally the pacing is better here as there is more going on and more tension.
Did feel that Olaf's theatrical troupe, even for characters that called for theatrical acting, overplayed on occasion and not all their dialogue was as funny or as creepy as ought. The exception was the scene stealing Hook-Handed Man.
Like the first part however, "The Bad Beginning: Part 2" looks great. Love the uniquely somewhat ambiguous sense of time and place in a dark fantasy-ish sort of way and the deliciously dark atmosphere. The photography is pleasing on the eye while also being very eerie. Oh and that opening credits sequence is to die for, makes one want to dive in straightaway. Count Olaf's home gives one the creeps and the latter portions involving the play is a disturbingly fond reminder for anybody who's ever been in amateur theatrical groups. The music is also a good match for the atmosphere and the story sets up these unfortunate events mostly with a mysteriousness and intrigue.
Both the pace and dialogue are generally better here, neither perfect but the dialogue that Olaf and Hook-Handed Man have is a hoot. The narration is a little more natural, and serves as a not too distracting active role in the storytelling. Really liked Patrick Warburton's enigmatic and deadpan delivery of it. Neil Patrick Harris continues to be inspired casting, even more sinister and fun here even though the rest of the series showcases the character's evil and outlandishness more. The children, whose way of thinking, traits and hobbies are utilised more, are still fine, though always did prefer Sunny in the film. Usman Ally steals every moment he's part of. Mr Poe's casting is the only one that never did anything for me in this adaptation.
Summarising, very nicely done and an improved second part. 8/10
