Salma Hayek Movie:

Editorial Review:
Adapted from Darren O'Shaughnessy's book series the Saga of Darren Shan, Cirque du Freak: A Vampire's Assistant is an endearingly goofy teen-vampire tale reminiscent of The Goonies or Lost Boys. Like those kids' horror classics, Cirque du Freak is a coming-of-age tale in which maturity is hastened by horrific discoveries of alternate realms. Best friends Darren Shan (Chris Massoglia) and Steve (Josh Hutcherson) embark on a life-changing career path as monster prodigies after attending a taboo freak show starring various mutants and Madame Octa, a fluffy, neon orange, Muppetlike spider that Darren is irrevocably compelled to kidnap. Darren's petty theft results in the boys' introductions into the dualistic realm of good vampires, including the paternal Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly), and less-generous bloodsuckers such as Murlaugh (Ray Stevenson) and his Vampaneze family. Part of the fun is in learning how vampires are defined in this world; for example, they can't turn into bats but they have magic spit. The film's additional appeal is in its clever teen-vampire cultural nods, such as when Darren plays his Gameboy inside his coffin. The actual circus, too, offers a wide array of fun, spooky characters, such as ringleader Mr. Tall (Ken Watanabe) and Darren's scaly buddy Snakeboy (Patrick Fugit). Cirque du Freak: A Vampire's Assistant has tough moments, too, once the boys realize they can't look back. These moments transform Cirque du Freak: A Vampire's Assistant into a film parents may even be charmed by. --Trinie Dalton

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant [Theatrical Release] Reviews:
BEST VAMPIRE MOVIE EVER!!!
2009-11-23 - I'm a fourteen year old girl, and I LOVED THIS!!! I went into the theater thinking this was going to be some lame teen vampire romance movie- it wasn't!!! This was kind of scary, and hilarious at the same time. It's all about a boy who is turned into a vampire and(duh) becomes the assistant to a vampire in a travelling freak show. The main guy, Darren, never wanted to be a vampire, but his best friend Steve did. Steve becomes jealous and joins the "bad" vampires, and they have a really cool fight scene at the end. The special effects aren't cheesy, and didn't make me laugh during all the fight scenes like the ones in Twilight did. Not to mention the two main guys are really cute! Me and my friend were glued to the screen the entire time, and didn't even leave the theater for a free popcorn refill! I LOVED THIS MOVIE!

Surprisingly excellent movie
2009-11-17 - I did not know what to expect from this film. My wife really wanted to go and the trailers looked good - so we went.

The film had been out for only two weeks and was now showing in very few places which was not a good sign. When we got there, the theater was almost empty which was also not a good sign.

The movie was outstanding. It held my attention for the whole time. It was at once funny and serious. The thread of morality that ran through it was very thoughtful. For me, it had the sense of a European "art" film - perhaps a little too subtle for a few critics.

If you can get to see it, do so. If not, rent it when it comes out. I doubt you will be disappointed.



Not suitable for anything.
2009-11-08 - This neither makes it as a shock movie or a thinking piece. I realize that this is for a teen market. I don't think the people who made this movie knew that. I can enjoy most teen marketed movies in this genre. I was frankly bored.

Excellent and Entertaing Movie!
2009-11-08 - After seeing the commercials and the trailers, I honestly thought nothing of it, I didn't think it would be that good. Just a Twilight copy just like everything else right? Boy was I wrong. I have watched many Vampire movies in my day and this had to be one of the most original! I was blown away! This is a definite must see; especially for all of us vampire fans out there!

the most creative film i've seen in years
2009-11-02 - yes, it was creepy.
yes, it was not for the faint of heart.

but it wasn't gory. and it wasn't ultra violent. and it wasn't without heart.

it was just superior film making. the opening credits made me excited for the film, and the creativity carried through.
the acting was believable and the special effects kept my eyes glued to the screen.

it was good silly fun to see on halloween. This is much in line with what i always wanted the "Goosebumps" series to be...

it isn't making a load of cash at the box office, which makes me sad due to the introduction to a world that could spawn other films with even larger budgets based off of the other books... and i'm amazed at the critics poor reviews!

it was somewhere between Wizard of Oz & Big Fish

:)