The Baudelaire orphans' own brand of magic could spell the end for Harry Potter and his sidekicks in this splendidly dark children's fantasy.

Having knocked the wannabe wizard off the top of the New York Times children's bestseller list, this big screen outing looks a cert to bring Hogwarts' term to an abrupt end.

For a start, the Baudelaire orphans - inventive Violet (Browning), resourceful Klaus (Aiken) and canny tot Sunny - have to rely on their wits rather than falling back on failsafe spells in the face of adversity.

They also have a zero slappability quotient - unlike your average American teen - and deliver assured, irritant-free performances that leave little Daniel Radcliffe and co standing.

It helps that Jim Carrey is on terrific form as Count Olaf, the children's evil uncle who is made their guardian after their parents perish in a suspicious fire.

"You mean I have to raise the orphans as if they are actually wanted," deadpans Carrey, who relishes a role notable for comedic dexterity and unrestrained versatility.

Assuming a variety of disguises - oily Italian reptile-handler, salty old sea dog - Carrey is clearly having a whale of time.. but never lets his performance overwhelm the story.

Weighing in with support is twinkly-eyed Billy Connolly as a kind-hearted uncle with a snake fixation and Meryl Streep's once-adventurous-now-timorous aunt Josephine.

Almost a scabrous offspring to the League of Gentleman, real darkness swirls here with murder, suicide and a terrifying, writhing swarm of man-eating leeches.

You could be forgiven for thinking Tim Burton's dabs are all over this but, in fact, City of Angels director Brad Silberling has winningly crafted the story for the big screen.

And he knows the key to a successful children's movie - treat them like adults.

Tim Evans