Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Universal Studios (2009)
Thriller
In Collection
#2754
0*
Seen ItYes
025195038393
IMDB   8.0
1 hr 49 mins USA / English
DVD  Region 1   PG-13
John C Reilly Larten Crepsley
Josh Hutcherson Steve
Chris Massoglia Darren Shan
Jessica Carlson Rebecca
Michael Cerveris Mr. Tiny
Ray Stevenson Murlaugh
Morgan Saylor Annie
Colleen Camp Mrs. Shan
Salma Hayek Madame Truska
Director
Paul Weitz
Writer Paul Weitz
Brian Helgeland

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
Product Description
Welcome to the Cirque Du Freak, a traveling sideshow filled with magical creatures, misunderstood freaks, and the mysterious vampire, Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly). Drawn to the dark, unpredictable world of the Cirque, 16-year-old Darren (Chris Massoglia) decides to trade in his ordinary life for a chance to become an immortal vampire. As Darren explores his newfound powers and faces unexpected enemies, he’ll find that his existence as a member of the undead is filled with more challenges, suspense and fun than he ever thought possible. Based on the best-selling book series and co-starring Salma Hayek, Josh Hutcherson, Ken Watanabe, and Willem Dafoe, it’s a fast-paced, suspenseful journey critics call, “Imaginative!” (Peter Hall, Cinematical.com)
Edition Details
Release Date 2/16/2010
Packaging Keep Case
Screen Ratio Theatrical Widescreen (2.35:1)
Subtitles English; French; Spanish
Audio Tracks Dolby Digital 5.1 [English]
Dolby Digital 5.1 [French]
Dolby Digital 5.1 [Spanish]
Dolby Digital Stereo [English]
Layers Single Side, Dual Layer
No. of Disks/Tapes 1

Features
Deleted Scenes Guide To Becoming A Vampire Tour De Freak