The Series of Unfortunate Events Movie was greatly underwhelming. They just mushed the first three book in the series and they didn't even order them correctly, let alone get everything in those three books.
As others said, he was the Riddler, which he still acted like Ace Ventura. Anytime he needs to come off wild and crazy....it's Ace. Do you really want an Ace-Joker?
Riddle me that...
Who's afraid of the..
Big
Black
Bat.