Movie Review: “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant”

Seen on: October 19, 2009

The players: Director: Paul Weitz, Writers: Brian Helgeland, Paul Weitz, Cast: John C. Reilly, Ken Watanabe, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia, Ray Stevenson

Facts of interest: Based on the books by Darren Shan.

The plot: A teenager visits a freak show and decides to jump on board and become a vampire, which really pisses off his best friend. A rivalry ensues...

Our thoughts: Paul Weitz’s “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” is the beginning of something we may even never get to see. It’s merely an introduction to what could be a more intriguing story, and that’s the main reason I simply couldn’t connect with this dark, periodically humorous vampire tale.

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So-so clip from 'Vampire's Assistant' debuts online

While Chris Weitz recently wrapped the vampire romance "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," his brother Paul has been hanging around vampires as well. Paul Weitz's latest directing gig is "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant," and a first clip from the upcoming adventure has hit the Web. Watch after the jump.

Based on a series of books by Darren Shan, the film centers on a young man who attends an illegal freak show and later decides to join the club. Before he knows it, he finds himself at the center of a nasty feud between vampires and their rival clan.

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Trailer for 'The Vampire's Assistant' lands online

The first trailer for Paul Weitz's upcoming horror adventure "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" has just debuted online, and you can check it out after the jump.

Based on a series of books by Darren Shan, the film centers on a young man who attends an illegal freak show and later decides to join the club. Before he knows it, he finds himself at the center of a nasty feud between vampires and their rival clan.

Chris Massoglia, Josh Hutcherson, John C. Reilly, Jessica Carlson, Ray Stevenson, Patrick Fugit, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek and Ken Watanabe star.

I can't say I absolutely fell in love with this first footage, but then again, the trailer does look kind of entertaining. If done right, this one may actually be intriguing to watch.

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