Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

Teen vampire flick is scarier, edgier than the book series.


parents & educators say
  • 50% say violence is an issue
  • 50% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that amped-up violence and language make The Vampire's Assistant movie too mature for younger tween fans of the Cirque du Freak books it's based on. There are several disturbing scenes of vampires stabbing, punching, kicking, and otherwise wiping the floor with each other (although none of it gets particularly gory), along with potentially disturbing images of circus "freaks" and fairly regular use of words like  "s--t," "a--hole," and the like. Although the sexuality is on the mild side (especially for a vampire tale), there are a few kisses and a brief glimpse of the protagonist about to suck blood from a willing love interest.

Positive messages: Kids can learn about self-awareness, sacrifice, and courage through Darren transformation's from regular teenager to half vampire. Crepsley, despite being centuries-old and curmudgeonly, demonstrates the importance of not being completely self absorbed. Together, and with the help of the circus folk, they triumph over a looming threat.
Positive role models: Darren is willing to sacrifice his life in order to save his best friend's, and he refuses to drink blood from anyone, even people who've been sedated, until Rebecca freely offers him some of hers. He's sweet, open-minded, and brave, and he doesn't fight unless it's for self-defense. On the other hand, his foil/best friend is the exact opposite -- Steve is selfish, sullen, and volatile, not to mention violent.
Violence: Although many of the fight scenes are slightly comic, there's plenty of violence, including stabbings with knives and swords, fistfights, kicking/stomping, slashings with vampire nails, and the protagonist having his neck broken for the sake of faking his death. Most of it isn't gory or bloody (surprising for a vampire movie!), but it's still fairly dark. There are also possibly disturbing scenes of the titular "freaks" (a girl with a monkey tail, a boy who's green/scaly like a snake, a man with two bellies, a woman who can rip off her limbs and regenerate them, a man with no skin covering his lower abdomen/ribs, a Bearded Lady, and more.). And those who are afraid of spiders will have several "look away" moments.
Sex: A couple of embraces and kisses between Crepsley and Madame Truska (as well as a joke about her beard growing out as a sign of arousal) and Alexander and Jane. Chaste flirting between Darren and Rebecca and a lips-only kiss (which does make her monkey tail stand on end...).
Language: Several uses of the word "s--t" and its cousins "bulls--t" and "holy s--t/crap," as well as a few utterances of "a--hole," "ass," "hell," "dick," "oh my God," and milder insults like "jerk," "wimp," "stupid," and "idiot."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults and vampires drink socially on a couple of occasions.

More on Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how this vampire thriller differs from other vampire-themed movies and shows. How are the vampires depicted? Why are vampires so popular?
  • Why do you think the movie amped up the level of language and violence compared to the books? Can you think of other movies that are "heavier" than the books they're based on?
  • How are Darren and Steve examples of "foils"? What kind of person do they each represent? Kids: Name other famous literary foils (here's one to start you off: Twilight's Edward and Jacob).

What's the story?

What's the story?
Based on the first three books of the popular young-adult Cirque du Freak saga, THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT follows straight-laced high-schooler Darren Shan (Chris Massoglia), who's unexpectedly pulled into an underground world of traveling circus "freaks" and warring vampire factions. After Darren and his bad-boy best friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) attend a one-night-only performance of the Cirque du Freak, Steve becomes convinced that sLarten Crepsley (John C. Reilly) is a vampire and privately begs Crepsley to turn him into one as well. Crepsley refuses but eventually agrees to turn Darren into his "half vampire" assistant in exchange for providing Steve with the antidote to a fatal spider bite. Darren saves his best friend's life -- but is then forced to abandon him and his family to join Crepsley. Just as Darren is getting used to his new environment -- making friends with a snake boy (Patrick Fugit), a monkey-tailed girl (Jessica Carlson), and a bearded lady (Salma Hayek) -- his new way of life is threatened by the evil Mr. Tiny (Michael Cerveris), who recruits Steve into joining a band of bloodthirsty "Vampanese" that wants to start a war with the less-violent vampires.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Director Paul Weitz would have been better off adapting just one book, since the conflation of three novels (even ones in a series) rarely translates well (think of the disappointing Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events). Consequently, The Vampire's Assistant drags on for almost an hour before Darren is even made a "half vampire." And by the time he joins the self-proclaimed freaks, the audience isn't able to fully immerse itself into their intriguing culture because the action shifts to the battling vampire groups. There's a ridiculous montage of Darren hanging with his new friends -- flirting with Rebecca the monkey girl, jamming with Evera the snake boy, and eating barbecue with the entire clan. It doesn't help the bland characterizations that Massoglia says everything in an emotionless monotone.

Hutcherson, who was brilliant in Bridge to Terabithia, nails the insecure, impetuous character of Steve and deserves more leading -- not sidekick -- roles. The familiar actors in the supporting cast -- including Hayek, Jake Krakowski, Orlando Jones, and Willem Dafoe -- are frustratingly underused, while Tony-Award-winning actor Cerveris chews up the scenery as a jowly mastermind with a penchant for purple accessories. Reilly is, as expected, laugh-inducing, from his hilariously awful Ronald McDonald hairdo to his many quips about vampire life. Bits and pieces of the movie work fairly well, but as a whole, it feels much longer than it is, and it makes you wish it had been adapted into a TV series instead, where all of the characters could have let their freak flags fly, instead of being reduced to just a few sequences.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Paul Weitz
Cast: Chris Massoglia, John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson, Salma Hayek
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: October 23, 2009
DVD release: February 23, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: sequences of intense supernatural violence and action, disturbing images, thematic elements and some language
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This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

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What parents & educators say

11
Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:
  • 50% say violence is an issue
  • 50% say language is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

Darkdani17
teen, 17 years old
 
read the book 2!
movie was good not exactly according to the book but its still enjoyable if you didn't read it. If you are left unsatisfied READ THE BOOKS. The movie itself had good messages. Darren is a strong kid who trys his best to do what is right

 
bizarre
I loved the book series when I was young, so I was excited to see the movie. I admit being a little disappointed; it was difficult to tell if it was supposed to be scary or funny!! In the book, it's almost all creepiness and horror, but the movie seemed to throw in some jokes that were not funny at all. There's nothing particularly bad in it, and if your kids can handle Twilight, they can handle this. It's just that there's not much worth watching, really.

mandygirl003
teen, 17 years old
 
perfect family movie for any age!
I absolutley love this movie and I think the actors were perfect for the rols they played. I have been reading the series and am currently up to book 10, and I really love the whole series, movie and books. What makes this unique is that it's not like a usual vampire book is but It's complely different from all other vampire themed books and movies. In my opinon and probably many others, It would be amazing if they made more movies from the books. When I read the books, I feel like I'm there in the adventure with them, then when I leave the book for a little while, I keep thinking I want to go back to watch my movie, even though it's a book I'm reading and I don't realize till I remmeber there's only one movie and I already saw it a bunch of times. So it would be really cool to make all the books into a movie, and if they decide to, I think a lot of people will be happy like I would If they did so.

shadekill100
teen, 13 years old
 
only wimps will think this movie is scary.....my sis is 4 and she loved it! if you wan scary watch saw! or read the book series and read slawter....(book 3 of demontata series also by darren shan)

gamemad
teen, 14 years old
 
A stunning film it's immense!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!
Well here is my first film review (even though my name reprseants me reviewing games it doesnt mean i can't review films). This is either one of the best films i have seen or THE best film i have seen Violence: No gore or bllod. Stabbings, fist fights and bitings. A man gets his jaw ripped off (not showen) but you basically see it but yet you dont if you get my meaning. Just fist fights and the main character Darren has to fake his death so teh vampire tells him to "look over there" and then breacks his neck and throws him off the roof. Language: Alot of sh*s and bullsh*t and holy Sh*t, cra* as*hole and as* arnt swear words but what ever. Sex: kissing This is anabsolute 5 star a must see thank-you for your time.

OGORMAN
teen, 16 years old
 
Some language and violence may frighten younger kids.
I tried reading the book, but I just couldn't get into it... then the movie came out. Casting Chris Massoglia and Josh Hutcherson was a great idea. Josh has become a very stunning actor and giving Chris (oh so gorgeous) Massoglia a breakout role created the perfect duo/enemies. While Darren (Chris) is a sweet, rule abiding young man; his best friend Steve (Josh) is the complete opposite, back-talking and foulmouthed, his dark actions nearly cost him his life. Other characters like Evra the Snake Boy, Mr. Tiny, and my personal favorite: Harkat, a tiny little shrunken vampaneze who gives you a whimpering frown until you agree to hold his hand, then he tries to bite you. That may sound disturbing but I found him cute and comical. The movie may have been dark but it was funny in a dry and sarcastic way that I liked.

Mom Advice
parent of 12 and 12 year old
 
Cirque du freak great for 10+
some laugage but other wise just like pirates of carribean may be scary for 9 and younger

Jbobsession11
teen, 13 years old
 
Stupid and pathetic
I've never read the book(but i bet it's better) but i just wasn't expecting this movie to be a total rip off.It copied off of Harry Potter(bearded woman can see future and talks in weird creppy voice;Harry Potter Prisoner of Askaban one teacher can see future and talks in woeird voice to Harry once)and Lord of the Rings(little creatures in this movie;probably something like them in Lord of the Rings).The movie was really not scary and had almost no bloodshed.Little kids might get creeped out during the fight sceens but either way it was real pathetic.I bet anyone who saw the movie was waiting at the end for something to happen between Darren and Rebecca but they just kissed for a sec then they left.Two thumbs down.

De Habanero
kid, 11 years old
 
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
There is cussing and vampire violence. Also the vampires are good role models but vampaneese aren't. Much less scarier than the books. But just as good. This was a good movie.

matthewr
teen, 15 years old
 

THE MOVIE MAN
teen, 17 years old
 
The Movie Man on CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant could be summed up into one word: Terrible. The story is about a teenager named Darren who has a perfect life that anyone would want. Loving parents. Sweet sister. Great friends. Good grades. Good future. The only thing is he doesn't want it. He hates that everything is just lined up for him. One night Daren and his trouble making friend Steven sneak out late at night to go to a freak show. There Steven, who is obsessed with Vampires, finds one performing and sneaks backstage and asks if he could become one. When he rejects him because he has bad blood Steven threatens him that one day he will kill him. While that's going on Darren also sneaks backstage to take a look at the Vampire's poisonous spider which he steals. Later Darren by accidentally lets the spider out and it bites Steven and he is put in a coma in the hospital. That night Darren goes back to the place where the freak show took place and asks the vampire if there is an antidote that will cure Steven. The vampire says he will give him the antidote if Darren becomes his assistant and half a vampire. Darren agrees to do it. Steven gets well and Darren helps the vampire. Soon Darren has trouble with the vampire part of him. He starts doing weird things like thinking about biting his sister and eating raw meat. He decides he can't live like this anymore and he becomes a full vampire. To do that he has to fake kill himself. Darren then joins the Cirque which is a group of freaks with weird talents and some of them are disturbing. A little later Steven finds out about this and turns into an evil vampire. What's terrible about this movie is that towards the end the two best friends start fighting but not just that but the movie doesn't even finish the fight. It just ends. What parents should be alert about is that this movie has non-stop cursing. The longest gap between curses is probably four minutes. There is no message except appreciate what you have. If you read the books get ready for a big disappointment. If you don't want to waist your money on a movie don't see this movie but if you want to see it make sure you are twelve or up but be prepared for a failure.

slasher23
teen, 16 years old
 

cheesed12
parent of and 12 , 14 , 16 year old
 
YEAH!!!!!!!,I am 12!,And i can that movie!

Reviewerkid13
teen, 15 years old
 
Well, I never read the book, but the movie Cirque Du Freak has some language than you would see in the book.n the bright side, it shows good role models, and shows situations on making descisions. The movie may be scary for younger children which is dumb. People need to be brave these days.

Moviefreak124
teen, 16 years old
 
Awsome!!!
I read the whole seris of books so i think this is going to be great!!

 
loved it, but not for that reason...
I loved it, but not for the reason most people think. I don't love it because the books are some of the best I have read, I love it because over all i thought it was a good movie. It seemed to me to be very well played out, and didn't really linger on one stop for to long.

moviefan22
teen, 13 years old
 
I LOVE IT!
This movie is one of the best action movies of the decade! I can't believe CSM rated it 2 stars!! There is some violence, for example when the main character has to die to become a vampire, and between the Vampenese and the Vampires there is tension. I haven't read the book, but I'm sure it's just as great as the movie. Some of the "freaks" were very strange in the show, and some of them could be sary for younger kids. There is frequent use of the words s**t, a**, h**l, d**k, and other insults. It's a thrilling movie with great action and even some comedy in it.

scottguy17
teen, 15 years old
 
A Good Movie
This is a good movie that could have had better ratings if they would not have changed the plot or taken off major character's that take part later in the story (Alan, Tommy, Debbie, etc...). The reason it has adult language and situations is that it is rated PG-13. The violence shouldn't matter if it's for 13 and over (no blood). Parents should not be complaining about what the movie contains because all of this is appropriate for a PG-13 movie!

LadyDipthong
teen, 17 years old
 
love love love love
Teen Reviewer Age 15 OGORMAN actually Chris's first movie was A Plumm Summer, but he's credited as Chris J. Kelly, so that's probably what got you confused. He changed to his real last name (massoglia, duh) when filming the Cirque du Freak movie.... Cirque du Freak came second.

emma1997
teen, 14 years old
 
its good didnt like the ending though...

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