The Vampire's Assistant

[GreenScar]

Aug 5

Originally Posted by ed4246

http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=39341

Universal have released the first trailer for Paul Weitz‘ Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant and contrary to my previous expectations, I rather enjoyed it. You can see it for yourself after the break and agree/disagree. The film stars John C. Reilly as a big boss vampire and Chris Massoglia as his protege. Amongst the supporting cast are Patrick Fugit, Salma Hayek, Ken Watanabe and Willem Defoe, each of them a ‘freak’ of some kind.

The film is an adaptation of books by Darren Shan which is, funnily enough, also the name of our lead protagonist. So, is this a work of autobiography or is Shan using a pseudonym? As if there could possibly be any confusion. His real name, for the record, is Darren O’Shaughnessy.The series of books are known as The Saga of Darren Shan, and the first two are known as Cirque du Freak and then The Vampire’s Assistant. If I’d read them I’d be able to point out where the material in this trailer actually comes from, but I haven’t so I have to depend on all of you to help me out instead.


Watch the trailer in high definition on moviefone.

My favorite bit of the trailer is Reilly’s delivery of “No, that’s bull” but his reading of “Yes, you have super spit” ran a close second. Less successful are the CG effects. Indeed, I was quite taken with how handsome the trailer was until the CG started poking me in the eye and it took some squinting to see past it at points. Kudos to cinematographer J. Michael Muro who, if there’s any justice, should see his career really blossom now.

The vampires in this particular set up are somewhat different than what we’re used to. Firstly, they aren’t dead or even unded but simply alive. Secondly, they are no more inherently evil than ‘normal’ humans. Thirdly, they don’t even have fangs and instead use their sharp nails to make incisions in their victims, who they later patch up with a bit of medicinal saliva.

Lovely.

So far, it would look like Chris is seeded ahead of Twilight Saga: New Moon director Paul in the 2010 Weitz’ Bros. vampire movie showdown… but I’m thinking Paul’s probably got a trick or two up his sleeve too.

----------------------------------------------------------

Oh no, even more vampires? Cinematical has debuted the teaser poster for The Vampire's Assistant, previously known as Cirque du Freak, the movie based on the book series of the same name. I actually don't like this new title at all, it's too easily confused with The Vampire Diaries (the new TV show), and I thought Cirque du Freak was much more unique and easily recognizable, but alas, I don't work for Universal. Additionally, this poster, while it does look sleek, is missing John C. Reilly or anything that makes it look truly vampirish in any way. All-in-all an early failure, I think, but that's not too uncommon for Universal.

Seen below is Chris Massoglia, who plays a 16-year-old boy who becomes the assistant of a vampire named Larten Crepsley, played by John C. Reilly.
A fantasy about a teenager who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares. The cast includes Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek, Orlando Jones, and Ken Watanabe.

The Vampire's Assistant is directed by Paul Weitz, of American Pie, Down to Earth, About a Boy, In Good Company, and American Dreamz previously. The screenplay was co-written by Weitz and Brian Helgeland (Mystic River, Man on Fire, The Taking of Pelham 123). This is based on Darren Shan's book series titled "Cirque du Freak". Universal is bringing The Vampire's Assistant to theaters on October 23rd this fall.

[tbizzle]

This sounds pretty interesting, I love the cast! I've missed Orlando Jones. And I'm excited about seeing John C. Reilly in something other than the usual comedies, he's actually a pretty good actor. Thanks for the update

[brewp13]

Originally Posted by brewp13

I can't wait for Cirque du Freak (now Vampire's Assistant). They have been changing this release date back and forth for awhile now but I'm glad its finally coming. It worries me some that I have not seen any advertisements, trailers or promotions for it yet. If its really coming out in October they aren't promoting it very well. This book series was incredible, I hope the movie does well so they will keep making them for the rest of the series. Does anyone know why there has not been a trailer or anything yet when we are so close to the release date? I have seen trailers for movies coming summer 2010 but nothing for this movie yet.

I'm glad someone started a thread for this movie. I couldn't find one earlier when I posted this.

I thought the name change was a good idea. With all the vampire hype from True Blood and Twilight the name change will probably generate more viewers. Unless you've read the books, most people would have no idea what Cirque du Freak is or what it is about. Also since this movie is based on the first three books in the series, it makes sense to me to use the title of the middle book of that trilogy. I am glad though that they included "The Cirque du Freak Saga Begins" at the bottom of the poster.

[jasonicus]

This has piqued my interest. I have been watching out for it. Never read the books, but I like what I have seen and heard.

[MyBlu-rayBrotherEd]

I've been waiting for this one too. Looks like it could be a pretty cool flick.

[iori]

Sounds like it could be pretty good

[MyBlu-rayBrotherEd]

http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=39341

[Steve]

I'm always up for a vampire movie.

[jadedeath]

Do the vampires sparkle?

If so, I'm out.

Logan

[GreenScar]

Originally Posted by ed4246

http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=39341

Universal have released the first trailer for Paul Weitz‘ Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant and contrary to my previous expectations, I rather enjoyed it. You can see it for yourself after the break and agree/disagree. The film stars John C. Reilly as a big boss vampire and Chris Massoglia as his protege. Amongst the supporting cast are Patrick Fugit, Salma Hayek, Ken Watanabe and Willem Defoe, each of them a ‘freak’ of some kind.

The film is an adaptation of books by Darren Shan which is, funnily enough, also the name of our lead protagonist. So, is this a work of autobiography or is Shan using a pseudonym? As if there could possibly be any confusion. His real name, for the record, is Darren O’Shaughnessy.The series of books are known as The Saga of Darren Shan, and the first two are known as Cirque du Freak and then The Vampire’s Assistant. If I’d read them I’d be able to point out where the material in this trailer actually comes from, but I haven’t so I have to depend on all of you to help me out instead.


Watch the trailer in high definition on moviefone.

My favorite bit of the trailer is Reilly’s delivery of “No, that’s bull” but his reading of “Yes, you have super spit” ran a close second. Less successful are the CG effects. Indeed, I was quite taken with how handsome the trailer was until the CG started poking me in the eye and it took some squinting to see past it at points. Kudos to cinematographer J. Michael Muro who, if there’s any justice, should see his career really blossom now.

The vampires in this particular set up are somewhat different than what we’re used to. Firstly, they aren’t dead or even unded but simply alive. Secondly, they are no more inherently evil than ‘normal’ humans. Thirdly, they don’t even have fangs and instead use their sharp nails to make incisions in their victims, who they later patch up with a bit of medicinal saliva.

Lovely.

So far, it would look like Chris is seeded ahead of Twilight Saga: New Moon director Paul in the 2010 Weitz’ Bros. vampire movie showdown… but I’m thinking Paul’s probably got a trick or two up his sleeve too.

[iori]

Trailer looks good, I will be there.

[brewp13]

Originally Posted by jadedeath

Do the vampires sparkle?

If so, I'm out.

Logan

Not in the books.

[Batman1980]

I haven't seen a Salma Hayek or Willem Dafoe movie in theatres in forever, plus I love vampire movies so I'm down for this.

[brewp13]

The Final book in Darren Shan's Demonata series, Hell's Heros comes out in October also. This is a great month for Darren Shan fans. If they ever decide to make a Demonata movie, I hope its rated R, I really don't see any other way they could do it.

[atomik kinder]

I don't know, it looks like any typical kid movie. I do think it was a good idea moving it to this October instead of, what was it February 2010? Halloween time will bring a bigger audience. I did show the trailer to the kids and at first they thought it looked stupid and then by the end, they really wanted to see it. They hadn't even heard of any of the books. I've seen them in the stores, but not the library. We may have to check them out.

[brewp13]

The Cirque du Freak series is probably OK for kids but if they are young the Demonata series may be to much.

[GreenScar]

Salma Hayek Clip from The Vampire’s Assistant

You can never have too much Salma Hayek. So here’s a new from “Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” featuring Salma Hayek and her cleavage. Er, I mean, Salma Hayek and a Gollum-like creature, plus our star, a newly christened teen vampire played by Chris Massoglia. Via Yahoo! Movies.

A young boy named Darren Shan meets a mysterious man at a freak show who turns out to be a Vampire. After a series of events Darren must leave his normal life and go on the road with the Cirque Du Freak and become a Vampire.

Starring John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia, Jessica Carlson, Michael Cerveris, Ray Stevenson, Patrick Fugit, Daniel Newman, Morgan Saylor, Ken Watanabe, Salma Hayek, and directed by Paul Weitz.
The cirque du freak opens October 23, 2009.

[Lt. Aldo Raine]

everytime i see john c reilly i just laugh and think of step brothers

[Foggy]

I heard something good about this from FantasticFest

GOOD THINGS I HEARD

John C reily owns the film, he's fantastic
some creppy and inventive images in background
very colourful and fun
not scared to say the naughty "S" words
co-cast are great

Bad

Main actor is rubbish
shoves a rubbish message down our throuts.