Wuchak RELEASED IN 2009 and directed by Marco Brambilla, "Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" is a fantasy/horror/comedy about a teen (Chris Massoglia) who is compelled to join a circus of freaks where he becomes (you guessed it) the assistant of a vampire (John C. Reilly) and learns of a war between two classes of vampires. Josh Hutcherson is on hand as his best friend while Michael Cerveris plays the mysterious Mr. Tiny. Ray Stevenson is formidable as a vampiric heavy.After the mega-hit of "Twilight" (2008), producers naturally thought that another young adult book series involving vampires might be profitable. As such, this movie is based on the opening trilogy of the 12-book series "Cirque du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan" by Darren Shan (pen name of Darren O'Shaughnessy). It mostly focuses on the first book with uber-fans of the books complaining about deviations. In any case, the film wasn't a hit at the box office (costing $40 million and making back $39 million worldwide with $14 million of that made in North America). Regardless, I much prefer it to "Twilight."For some reason I always enjoy stories that center around life in circuses and carnivals. The excellent "Water for Elephants" (2011) is a good example. While that movie was decidedly realistic, "The Vampire's Assistant" is obviously rooted in fantasy.The first act is a low-key introduction to the two teen friends, their situation in life, and their intriguing visit to the Cirque Du Freak, which in English means The Freak Circus. The film improves in the second act with the excellent character of Larten Crepsley moving to the spotlight. Reilly is commanding and fascinating in the role. The third act is also really good, centering on the war between the vampires and the vampanese. The plot is involved enough without being too complex and the movie is impressively imaginative on practically every front.Salma Hayek stands out in the female department as one of the performers with a lame talent. But the creators don't really take advantage of her presence. In other words, don't expect anything like Salma's mind-blowing sequence in "From Dusk till Dawn" (1996). The striking Jane Krakowski is on hand, but her role is very small. Winsome Jessica Carlson plays Rebecca, a potential babe for the protagonist, I guess; she was only 15 during shooting and looks it.THE FILM RUNS 1 hour, 49 minutes and was shot in Louisiana (New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Folsom) and Los Angeles with studio work done in Universal City.GRADE: B

kirstenbolieau I was so excited to finally be able to watch the movie after reading all the cirque books. I have to say it did disappoint me not because it wasn't a good movie, but because i felt the book was so different. The movie felt rushed. I feel if you want to make a movie based of the books (like Harry Potter) take the time and not rush it. Its one of the best series of books I've read in a long time.last, John C.Reily was a great Crepsley.

Python Hyena Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (2009): Dir: Paul Weitz / Cast: John C. Reilly, Chris Massoglia, Josh Hutcherson, Jessica Carlson, Salma Hayek: Horror comedy about acceptance as two teenage friends enter a circus freak show where it's inhabitants are deformed or distorted. One of them is bitten by a poisonous spider thus leaving the other to accept being partial vampire to save him and carry on demands. Intriguing but predictable and contains the standard action climax. Director Paul Weitz is backed by clever visuals. This is a far cry in subject matter compared to his previous films such as American Dreamz and American Pie. John C. Reilly is terrific as vampire Larten who is first seen as a performer until his gig is caught and revealed. He will mentor one of the boys and ultimately engage in battles beyond the stage. Chris Massoglia plays his new assistant caught in the unfortunate position of having to abandon his family. Josh Hutcherson plays his best friend gone bad. This will obviously lead to a clash between the two. Jessica Carlson is also featured among the deformed performers but these roles, although great sight visuals, are disappointing personalities. Salma Hayek also signed on for this and it greatly reminds viewers that she was once an A-lister. While the film is entertaining it is also a pointless and misguided freak show at best. Score: 5 ½ / 10

SnoopyStyle Darren Shan (Chris Massoglia) is a teen who loves spiders. His best friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) loves vampires. They live in a surreal preppy suburbs. One day a freak show comes to town, and the two must go see. The ringmaster is vampire Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly) and he has a special spider. Steve couldn't convince Larten to convert him. But when Larten's spider bites Steve, Larten is willing to save Steve only if Darren would become a vampire's assistant.There are a lot of name actors that seems to be slumming it in tiny minor roles. It's distracting especially considering the lead Chris Massoglia is so underwhelming. While I appreciate the costumes and the style of the movie, the story moves too slowly. There are too many scenes dwelling on the minutia rather than dealing with the main story. And John C. Reilly just don't fit the vampire stereotype. He's neither dark nor brooding. There is something just not right with the freak show.