Iffy for 12+
Teen vampire flick is scarier, edgier than the book series.
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.
- 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).
The good stuff
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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.
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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.
What to watch for
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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.
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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...).
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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."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults and vampires drink socially on a couple of occasions.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Great movie! by xmonroex
I have absolutely no interest in vampire movies. The only reason I went to see this movie was because of the scare zone at the Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (Orlando,FL). After seeing the scare zone numerous times, I wanted to see how everything related. I thought the previews made the movie look completely stupid and I thought John C. Reilly was cheesy and ridiculous. However, my opinion completely changed after watching the movie. It was amazing. The subtle costuming effects were perfect. John C. Reilly was a great fit for this role, he played it perfectly. The subtle details are what made this film excellent. Everything was explained without boring the audience. The character development was great, but they left out some information as to the "why." They set up for a sequel perfectly. The movie exceeded my expectations and I am excited for the next one.
4
The Vampire's Assistant by lexi2000
The movie was awsome! If you are a true vampire lover, you'll love this movie.
5
Vampires assistant by Ph03nix26
I went to see it with my husband and I am a huge fan of John c rieley he's a great actor . Although his role in this movie is a bit serious he still finds a way to make it light and funny. We both loved the movie. The only problem I had was the young actrss who played the love intrest to Darren . She seemed bland. Other than that the movie was great
5
Definitely Worth Seeing by JollyBill
This movie is great. The books are certainly better, but the movie is good as well. Definitely worth seeing. The characters are pretty much the way they are in the books. Although I did think that Mr. Tiny plays too much of a role in the development of the conflict.
I think people of all ages would enjoy this movie. A bit of humor, a bit of action, even a bit of romance. And I do hope they make a sequel, I would definitely see that as well.
5
Loved It by CynthiaBlue
I didn't know what it was about when I stepped into the theater, except a vampire... or sort of. I haven't read the books, didn't even know about them.
I loved the show, it was the best movie I've seen all year. I can't wait until the next one comes out. I thought the acting was great, the story line flowed, and I didn't feel like I was watching a movie that was made from a book... a movie that was missing so much that I didn't understand it.
I'll be checking out the books now too!
4
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant by lola3002
This was a good film overall - it was evident that this first movie was laying the groundwork for more movies as adapted from the literary series. I enjoyed the cast and characters. Seeing it in the theatre was a good idea to optimize sights and sounds in the movie. I plan to see the next movie in the theatre as well. This was a good family movie in my opinion, however I think it will appeal to a variety of people.
5
Cirque du Amazing by DorothyA
I loved every minute of this movie. I've seen it a couple times now and would go see it again. I am a huge fan of the Books and was ready for the movie to dissapoint me, instead it amazed me. I love how much they kept in and changed. I thought all the actors were perfectly cast. Especially John C Riley and Chris Mignolia (no idea what his last name really is). I would recomend this movie to anyone who likes awesome.
4
Vampire's Assisstant by jumpingjacks
Had no idea what to expect. Took the kids on a whim. I don't like paying full price for movies cause I generally feel cheated when the show is over. I have to admit that this show was very entertaining to say the least. Not sure it was worth $10 each but then again I don't think any show is worth that. I would give it thumbs up though and would see it again at the second run theater here in town. Better than most of the junk that is out there I am betting.
4
Surprisingly Good! by lilybeth
I'll be honest, the only reason why I went to see the movie is because my son wanted to go...but within minutes of the start of the movie, I was hooked! After I got home I read a review that came in a magazine and it gave it a "C" grade. Well, I couldn't disagree more! It was funny, it had action and a pretty good story line. Actually, we liked it so much that we'll be buying the books this weekend and reading them together! I can't wait for the sequel, I really hope they make it.
4
idiots its not supposed to be a comedyi by jdiesel1991
for all of u people that say it is dissapointing because it is not funny, ur idiots the books had barely any comedy in them at all it was gore and action, i think it was good but they could have done alot better if it was rated R