CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT
Official Site:
Cast: Salma Hayek, Willem Dafoe, John C. Reilly, Chris Mossoglia Rating: M for Fantasy Violence Tagline: Meet Darren. He's 16 going on immortal. Theatrical Release: March 11, 2010 DVD Release: July 21, 2010 **Exclusive slipcase and cover at JBHI-Fi BOX OFFICE: The film was released to a limited release (41 screens), a wide release was cancelled because of the film flopping in the US. It opened with a disgraceful $39,541 not even managing a $1,000 screen average. It spent only two weeks in cinemas in Australia Special Features: - Deleted Scenes - Guide to becombing a Vampire - Tour Du Freak |
Plot Synopsis, Review
16-year-old Darren (Chris Massoglia) was like most kids in his suburban neighborhood. He hung out with his best friend, got decent grades and usually stayed out of trouble. But when he and his buddy stumble upon a traveling freak show, things begin to change inside Darren. That's the exact moment when a vampire named Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly) turns him into something, well, bloodthirsty.
Fun. The film is a dark teen comedy with supernatural themes. It's an energetic and funny ride that succeeds with keeping you watching. The opening credit sequence may have wen't for a little longer than it should've, but it was still a cool sequence. The first half an hour was based on character building of lead character Darren, and giving us insight on his life, and best mate Steve. We then arrivew at the freak show, which is where all the fun starts. A scene of tension is show, and we are intrigued to find out more of what "Vampinese" are. Fast forward and are with Darren's fake funeral, and he goes off to live with the circus, all the while being hunted by Vampinise. The vampire film cliche's were evident, but alot were told as being legend's which gave the film a more realistic (as realistic as it can be) tone. The climax was motivating and intense, giving the audience a chance to root for either the Vampire's or Vampinese in an eventual war (not seen in the film). The open feel-good ending leaves way for a sequel that I doubt will happen because of it's commercial failure at the box office.
The plot was adapted from the first two books of the popular "Curque Du Freak" series. While i'm sure people who loved the book might not love the film (the visual's of the characters in this would be extremely different to what a reader may have imagined up), I'm confident that the plot's solid and dark themes will intrigue.
The acting was good. "John C. Reilly" was excellent at Mr Crepsley, the 170 vampire that mentored young Darren, who was played well by "Chris Massoglia". "Salma Hayek" played a small role as the bearded lady, but she still looked damn fine doing it.
Overall "Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" is a fun and energetic dark teen comedy that is enjoyable right to the very end. My rating is 3/5.
Fun. The film is a dark teen comedy with supernatural themes. It's an energetic and funny ride that succeeds with keeping you watching. The opening credit sequence may have wen't for a little longer than it should've, but it was still a cool sequence. The first half an hour was based on character building of lead character Darren, and giving us insight on his life, and best mate Steve. We then arrivew at the freak show, which is where all the fun starts. A scene of tension is show, and we are intrigued to find out more of what "Vampinese" are. Fast forward and are with Darren's fake funeral, and he goes off to live with the circus, all the while being hunted by Vampinise. The vampire film cliche's were evident, but alot were told as being legend's which gave the film a more realistic (as realistic as it can be) tone. The climax was motivating and intense, giving the audience a chance to root for either the Vampire's or Vampinese in an eventual war (not seen in the film). The open feel-good ending leaves way for a sequel that I doubt will happen because of it's commercial failure at the box office.
The plot was adapted from the first two books of the popular "Curque Du Freak" series. While i'm sure people who loved the book might not love the film (the visual's of the characters in this would be extremely different to what a reader may have imagined up), I'm confident that the plot's solid and dark themes will intrigue.
The acting was good. "John C. Reilly" was excellent at Mr Crepsley, the 170 vampire that mentored young Darren, who was played well by "Chris Massoglia". "Salma Hayek" played a small role as the bearded lady, but she still looked damn fine doing it.
Overall "Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" is a fun and energetic dark teen comedy that is enjoyable right to the very end. My rating is 3/5.