Cirque Du Freak: Vampire's Assistant [REVIEW]

Review by: Miri Amee.

Darren Shan (CHRIS MASSOGLIA of The Hole), had his life changed when he stumbled upon a traveling Freak Show that was visiting town. Unlike his best friend, Steve (JOSH HUTCHERSON of Journey to the Center of the Earth) who is full of mischief, Darren is just an ordinary high school boy with decent grades, a good family and usually kept out of trouble. Until he was turned into a vampire, that is.


Unknowingly, Darren’s transformation into a creature of the undead has broken a truce between two clans, the vampires and the vampanezes, causing a catastrophic war to brew. Unable to continue life as a normal suburban teenager, Darren must “die” and join the Cirque Du Freak with his vampire mentor, Larten Crepsley (Oscar®-nominated actor JOHN C. REILLY of Chicago, Step Brothers).



Being a huge fan of the Darren Shan Saga (it’s 12 books, fyi) I was horrified to find the chilling, terrifying, gory book series was turned into a semi-comedic, cliché movie. What a waste of potential!



The CG wasn’t as smooth as it could be, the score was a little bit corny and Chris Massoglia’s interpretation of Darren was… zzzzzz, a yawn. Hello young man, what’s up with that unemotional face? Your life is ruined! You should be in despair! Sheesh.



The highlight of the movie, I’d have to say, was Ken Watanabe who played a hilarious Mr. Tall, and seeing Salma Hayek, who played Madam Truska, growing a beard. Sexy lady with a beard? Awesomeness.



All in all, I suppose this movie was made for children. Although the book series has fans of all ages, and could be a kick-ass bloody movie, but alas, even with a promising cast such as Willem Dafoe (who played the Green Goblin in SpiderMan!), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Ken Watanabe (Memoirs of a Geisha), Salma Hayek (do I need to mention?) and John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) plus an Academy Award nominated Director like Paul Weitz, the movie was still a disappointment.

A fail, ladies and gentlemen.




Lets just hope the sequel will be much better. If they’ll make another one.


Rating:
2/5

Watch trailer here