If you want to read lengthy, drawn-out reviews of the movies in theaters now (or soon to be) then this isn't the blog you should be reading. Most of the posts from The Other Critic are short, sweet and to the point; that's how we roll here.

We also don't just focus on current movies. Let's face it, there are plenty of good movies that have been made, and sometimes viewers have a tendency to forget that there is more to life than movies in the theaters.

With all that said, please enjoy the short and concise, and sometimes opinionated reviews. If you don't like them, that's okay—we won't hold it against you.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant'

I have recruited again; this time the services of my friend Aaron Watson. Here's his take on Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant'.

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So, the other night I reluctantly went to see 'Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant' with my wife. I had no desire to see this movie, because it looked very “Nickelodeon” to me and childish. It just seemed too... teeny-bopper for me. But, my wife is a vampire fan and likes these kind of things so I obliged. And ya know what? I was pleasantly surprised. No, that doesn’t sound quite right. Let’s say, I was surprisingly entertained.

There are some good story elements in this film. Consequence. Friendship. Sacrifice. I particularly like the tragic “best friends turned arch-enemies” story line. No Oscars will be given for this film, but some of the characters (as the title implies) are delightfully twisted. (Others are just twisted.) And surprisingly, I was not bothered a bit by John C. Riley playing a non-comedic role. He played his part rather well.

One thing that does niggle me about the movie, though, is that I feel it suffers from a personality disorder. It doesn't know what kind of movie it is supposed to be. It definitely has a “Nickelodeon”, "after-school-special" air about it. But, there is strong language, relatively intense violence, and displays of disturbing behavior which feel out of place. But, perhaps that’s what the creators wanted you to feel... A sense of unease or disconnection.

Ultimately, I enjoyed it. I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds and am now considering reading the books as well. For a fun fantasy/horror escape I’d recommend 'Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant'.
Posted by Jeremy English at 10:14 PM
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