I loved the mixture of vaudeville and old-time carnival that helped frame Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, an adaptation of the young adult novels of the same name Viewers won’t ever confuse it with exceptional drama or serious storytelling, but it is an enjoyable and, at times, affecting film. It’s a movie that knows and accepts its subject matter — a quirky, often juvenile tale — and embraces it. What works best about this film is that it never takes itself too seriously, and instead allows humor and the fantastical elements of the story to do the heavy lifting. The result is an above-average offering that, despite its lightweight approach proves to be entertaining.

The story is centered around two high school friends. There’s the do-gooder and spider enthusiast Darren and vampire-obsessed rebel Steve. They’re friends, but with the arrival of the Cirque du Freak in their sleepy home town, their lives are about to diverge. Before long, they are dragged into a centuries-old conflict between Vampires and the Vampaneze — factions of vampires who represent good and evil. Darren literally stumbles into becoming a vampire — Steve’s lifelong wish — and, as a result, Steve becomes jealous and joins the Vampaneze — setting up a rivalry amongst onetime friends.

What makes the story work is the relationship between Darren (Chris Massoglia) and Steve (Josh Hutcherson) — particularly the rather fractured life Steve has led. They are friends, but are very different people. And so the way in which their respective stories unfold is fairly plausible, even if the particulars are rather fantastic in origin. This is, after all, a story about “freaks” and, ultimately, it becomes a metaphor for accepting one’s uniqueness. That’s the central message of the film, but outside of the a rather blatant statement in the finale, it’s not overbearing to the point where the film feels like its preaching.

The acting in the film is quite solid. Both Massoglia and Hutcherson fare quite well. A lot of the heavy lifting is done by John C. Reilly as the mentor vampire named Crepsley. Supporting cast includes Jessica Carlson as Rebecca, Michael Cerveris as Mr. Tiny, and cameos from Salma Hayek and Willem DaFoe. The performances fit the material and the intent of the film well, conveying the humor and fantasy quite plausibly.

In terms of the film’s presentation, it’s remarkable how little visual effects work is done. Most of the look is crafted by lighting and prosthetics — and a wonderfully atmospheric old vaudeville theater. This also helps the film’s plausibility by grounding the visuals in characters and settings that look realistic — even if they are members of a “freak show.”

Ultimately, though, the point is that none of the characters are freaks, unless they choose to be. The bluntly stated, “It’s not what you are but who you are,” is an important message. Good or evil all is, simply, a matter of choice.

Overall Grade: C+

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant is a fun movie to watch, provided that viewers can accept the oftentimes silly and juvenile approach to the storytelling. It should be noted, however, that this is the right approach, given the subject matter. The result is a movie that works well within its own limitations.

Oh, and if nothing else, the opening credits are wonderfully rendered — a perfect mix of music and animation to set the tone of the film.

Topics: Fantasy, TV Reviews
Filed under: Film News

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