Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

2009 • 108 minutes

About this movie

Welcome to the Cirque Du Freak, a traveling sideshow filled with magical creatures, misunderstood freaks, and the mysterious vampire, Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly). Drawn to the dark, unpredictable world of the Cirque, 16-year-old Darren (Chris Massoglia) decides to trade in his ordinary life for a chance to become an immortal vampire. As Darren explores his newfound powers and faces unexpected enemies, he'll find that his existence as a member of the undead is filled with more challenges, suspense and fun than he ever thought possible. Based on the best-selling book series and co-starring Salma Hayek, Ken Watanabe, and Willem Dafoe, it's a fast-paced, suspenseful journey critics call, "Imaginative!" (Peter Hall, Cinematical.com)

Ratings and reviews

As an action movie, it did not build the tension for a climax, and the pace was slow. The movie felt like its purpose was to set the scene for the sequel(if it is going to have one). The dialog seemed forced at times, especially the dialog between the protagonist and his best friend or Rebecca(the monkey girl). The most natural part of dialog might be between snake boy and him. That might because I didn't feel a great character development for most of the characters there. It was fun to watch at times and I chuckled here and there. The graphic was cool. But it didn't make me want to know more about this story or wanting to get hyped up for the sequel if any.

The movie was ok in and of itself. The issue is, it is based off of book series that was pretty awesome. There were so many things with the adaptation if you read the books at all. The monkey girl, Rebecca, does not exist at all in the books and I agree with the other reviews when they say that the dialogue seems very forced. Krepsley is not supposed to be comedic at all, contract his words, and he absolutely outright kills Murlaugh. The only reason why Darren even drunk any blood at all was to "let his friend live in through his blood," not to get the abilities of a vampire, which that isn't possible btw due to him only being a half vampire. So many things wrong. It seems like this whole movie was meant to set it up for the sequel, which I highly doubt will ever happen.

From reading the books I expected something amazing and maybe emotionally complex. What I got was flat out comedy. I think the role of Crepsley should have gone to a more brooding actor, not a comedian like John C. Reilly. He was in the movie Step-Brothers for goodness sakes (nothing against that movie, it is my favorite comedy film to watch with friends). I can see how some people might like the film but it did not live up to my expectations. Don't let me stop you from watching it, you be the judge.