Miano, A. (Producer) & Weitz, P. (Director). (Released February 23, 2010). Circ du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant. [Motion picture]. United States: Universal Studios.
UPC 025195038393
•Plot Summary
Darren Shan is sixteen, and practically perfect. He's good looking, popular, has stellar grades, and a fantastic family. His best friend, Steve, is the complete opposite. When the two receive an invitation to attend a circus performance intended for adults only, and Steve recognizes the Ring Master as an ancient vampire he read about in a book, things begin to escalate. Steve wants immortality, to be special, but it's Darren that receives this "gift" when he is forced to make amends for his friend's behavior. The circus is filled with freaks of all kinds, the abilities Darren now possesses aren't always what they seem to be, but it turns out you can play on Gameboy consoles in a coffin. Steve is jealous of Darren's new existence, and is adopted by the vampire's main nemesis, the two friends are suddenly becoming sworn enemies.
•Critical Evaluation
Based on the novels by the same name, and suitable for both teens and tweens. Very tongue-in-cheek humor, but great performances by some considerable box office stars (like John C. Reilly-as the vampire, and Salma Hayek-as the bearded lady/seer).
•Reader’s Annotation
Humorous look at life as a near-vampire, from a teen's perspective.
•Information about the author
N/A
•Genre
Film, Movie, DVD, Motion Picture
•Curriculum Ties
History, Literature
•Booktalking Ideas
Halloween, historical accounts of vampires, circus performers/freak shows, tolerance
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-12/Ages 11-19
•Challenge Issues
N/A
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I missed this film in theaters, but since I have been intending to update my vampire blog (which began as part of a class on Vampirism in Literature-UCSB German 182), I wanted to see this film. Also, I thought my daughter would enjoy it, even if she didn't understand all of the references.
