Review - Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

The Vampire's Assistant tells a very interesting story about two best friend high school kids. One is named Daren (Chris Massoglia) who's the bright kid with a good family and a promising future. The other is Steve (Josh Hutcherson) who comes from a less fortunate family that we learn a little about throughout the film. These two guys sneak off to a small circus freak show and consequently get pulled into the world of the undead and a brewing conflict between the vampires (good guys) and the vampanese (bad guys). Our guide through this world is vampire Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly). Along the way we meet interesting characters played by some recognizable actors I wasn't expecting to see. A key thing to point out about the movie is that it is not a true comedy. It does contain some humor but it's equally dramactic.

The Likes: The Vampire's Assistant tells of the most original stories I've seen in a movie in a very loooonnngg time, combining quirky humor with well-placed special fx. All of the characters are wonderful and had a refreshing amount of depth to them. Throughout the movie there is some strong commentary concerning the treatment of people the same as others. Even if some people come across as different. In a way I think this is what this film is about. There is a love story that develops involving Daren but it isn't over done. The length of the film was just right. I never felt bored and never felt there was anything in the movie that was unecessary. The climax was sensational and wasn't just a big fight scene.

The Dislike: The real dislike I had of the movie was the acting of Hutcherson (Steve) wasn't always that great. But not too bad.

Rating: The Vampire's Assistant was a surprise movie for me. It's meant to be the beginning of a series. It could easily be a good trilogy and I hope it is. I'm starting to think of it as the anti-Twilight....GO NOW!!!