Filmmakers have many remarkable superpowers. The ability to create kaleidoscope fractals of terrifying credit card debt. The ability to turn any friendship into a stark transactional binary. The ability to blot out the very sun itself with the G&e crew’s interlocking vape exhalations.
Most impressively, filmmakers have the ability to take some abstract, internal element of the human experience and physicalize it into something photographable and dramatic. Sure: sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. But sometimes in movies, a cigar is actually the memory of your dead father, a metaphor for America’s self-immolation, or—occasionally—a penis.
Of course, a reliable way to transmute emotions and anxieties into something tangible, visible and narratively propulsive is to lean on metaphysics and the supernatural. Just look at the prestige horror boom of the last 15 years, which has turned grief and despair into ghosts and haunted houses so often it’s become cliche.
Most impressively, filmmakers have the ability to take some abstract, internal element of the human experience and physicalize it into something photographable and dramatic. Sure: sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. But sometimes in movies, a cigar is actually the memory of your dead father, a metaphor for America’s self-immolation, or—occasionally—a penis.
Of course, a reliable way to transmute emotions and anxieties into something tangible, visible and narratively propulsive is to lean on metaphysics and the supernatural. Just look at the prestige horror boom of the last 15 years, which has turned grief and despair into ghosts and haunted houses so often it’s become cliche.
- 11/3/2023
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
The coronavirus pandemic is inspiring plenty of comedians to perform sets from their homes, and musicians to give mini concerts from the comfort of their living rooms.
Now, Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of “Moana,” and “Detective Pikachu” star Justice Smith are among a group of young actors coming together to perform a live play reading to raise money in aid of arts students whose schools have been closed due to the pandemic.
At 2 p.m. Pt today, the duo will join Mc Brando Young in a performance of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which will be live streamed on the Facebook page of Acting For a Cause, the organization behind the reading.
Other participants in the play reading will include “Hereditary” star Alex Wolff, “Ozark” season 3 actor Jessica Frances Dukes, “Parenthood” alum Sarah Ramos, “Cirque du Freak” actor Jessica Carlson, and “Assassination Nation” star Odessa Young.
The...
Now, Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of “Moana,” and “Detective Pikachu” star Justice Smith are among a group of young actors coming together to perform a live play reading to raise money in aid of arts students whose schools have been closed due to the pandemic.
At 2 p.m. Pt today, the duo will join Mc Brando Young in a performance of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which will be live streamed on the Facebook page of Acting For a Cause, the organization behind the reading.
Other participants in the play reading will include “Hereditary” star Alex Wolff, “Ozark” season 3 actor Jessica Frances Dukes, “Parenthood” alum Sarah Ramos, “Cirque du Freak” actor Jessica Carlson, and “Assassination Nation” star Odessa Young.
The...
- 3/27/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – It’s now official: the Weitz brothers have proven that they are the wrong people to make vampire movies. While Chris got tangled in the turgid melodrama of “Twilight: New Moon,” Paul tried to inject irreverent humor into the first installment of another gloomy franchise, based on Darren O’Shaughnessy’s book series detailing the adventures of adolescent vampire Darren Shan.
It’s obvious why vampires appeal to a young fan base. They embody the hormonal Id waiting to erupt within teenage souls, encapsulated by Bella’s yearning to be “bitten” (Edward might as well be wearing an abstinence ring). Yet while “Twilight” is an obvious metaphor for sexual repression, “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” seems to be a metaphor for teen suicide. The two main characters, high schools buds Darren (Chris Massoglia) and Steve (Josh Hutcherson), are so fed up with life that they’d rather...
It’s obvious why vampires appeal to a young fan base. They embody the hormonal Id waiting to erupt within teenage souls, encapsulated by Bella’s yearning to be “bitten” (Edward might as well be wearing an abstinence ring). Yet while “Twilight” is an obvious metaphor for sexual repression, “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” seems to be a metaphor for teen suicide. The two main characters, high schools buds Darren (Chris Massoglia) and Steve (Josh Hutcherson), are so fed up with life that they’d rather...
- 2/24/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Taylor Lautner could follow the step of his "Twilight" co-star Kristen Stewart who has just landed Orange Rising Star Award at 2010 BAFTAs. The 18-year-old hunk has been announced as one of the contenders to win Best Performance by Leading Young Actor at the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards for his portrayal of Jacob Black in "The Twilight Saga's New Moon". For the said prize, he will be up against Jake T. Austin ("Hotel For Dogs"), Jimmy Bennett ("Alabama Moon"), Max Records ("Where The Wild Things Are") and Devon Bostick ("Adoration").
Meanwhile, Emma Roberts and Saoirse Ronan are put under the same category, facing each other for the Best Performance by Leading Young Actress kudo. The "Hotel For Dogs" star and the "The Lovely Bones" beauty are additionally joined by Abigail Breslin ("My Sister's Keeper"), Jolie Vanier ("Shorts") and Yara Shahidi ("Imagine That") in the competition for the award.
The nominations...
Meanwhile, Emma Roberts and Saoirse Ronan are put under the same category, facing each other for the Best Performance by Leading Young Actress kudo. The "Hotel For Dogs" star and the "The Lovely Bones" beauty are additionally joined by Abigail Breslin ("My Sister's Keeper"), Jolie Vanier ("Shorts") and Yara Shahidi ("Imagine That") in the competition for the award.
The nominations...
- 2/22/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato are placed in competition against each other at the upcoming 31st Annual Young Artist Awards. As the Young Artist Foundation unveiled this year's nominees, it is revealed that the two Disney stars and best friends are vying for Leading or Supporting Young Actress title in a category for TV movie, mini-series or special.
Both Selena and Demi received the nomination for their performance as Carter Mason and Rosalinda respectively in "Princess Protection Program". Beside each other, they are also up against two other hopefuls, Tori Barban of "The Christmas Hope" and Patricia Raven of "Dear Harvard".
The two teen stars are not the only Disney's leading lady to get nominated for 2010 Young Artist Awards. Miley Cyrus has earned a nod for Leading Young Actress in TV series for her role on "Hannah Montana". She is listed among four other contenders that include the star of Nickelodeon's "iCarly", Miranda Cosgrove.
Both Selena and Demi received the nomination for their performance as Carter Mason and Rosalinda respectively in "Princess Protection Program". Beside each other, they are also up against two other hopefuls, Tori Barban of "The Christmas Hope" and Patricia Raven of "Dear Harvard".
The two teen stars are not the only Disney's leading lady to get nominated for 2010 Young Artist Awards. Miley Cyrus has earned a nod for Leading Young Actress in TV series for her role on "Hannah Montana". She is listed among four other contenders that include the star of Nickelodeon's "iCarly", Miranda Cosgrove.
- 2/22/2010
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
The nominees of the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards have been announced. "Hotel for Dogs," "Twilight Saga: New Moon," and "My Sister's Keeper" are among the nominees.
The Young Artist Awards benefits the Young Artist Foundation -- a non-profit organization which awards scholarships to financially and/or physically challenged young people seeking a future in the entertainment industry.
Winners will be announced at a gala be held on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Beverly Garland, Studio City, California.
Nominees of the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards (feature film categories):
Best Performance In A Feature Film
Leading Young Actor
Jake T. Austin .Hotel For Dogs.
Jimmy Bennett .Alabama Moon.
Max Records .Where The Wild Things Are.
Taylor Lautner .Twilight Saga - New Moon.
Devon Bostick .Adoration.
Best Performance In A Feature Film
Leading Young Actress
Emma Roberts .Hotel For Dogs.
Abigail Breslin .My Sister's Keeper.
Jolie Vanier .Shorts.
Yara Shahidi .Imagine...
The Young Artist Awards benefits the Young Artist Foundation -- a non-profit organization which awards scholarships to financially and/or physically challenged young people seeking a future in the entertainment industry.
Winners will be announced at a gala be held on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Beverly Garland, Studio City, California.
Nominees of the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards (feature film categories):
Best Performance In A Feature Film
Leading Young Actor
Jake T. Austin .Hotel For Dogs.
Jimmy Bennett .Alabama Moon.
Max Records .Where The Wild Things Are.
Taylor Lautner .Twilight Saga - New Moon.
Devon Bostick .Adoration.
Best Performance In A Feature Film
Leading Young Actress
Emma Roberts .Hotel For Dogs.
Abigail Breslin .My Sister's Keeper.
Jolie Vanier .Shorts.
Yara Shahidi .Imagine...
- 2/21/2010
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Multiple release date shuffles and reports of bad blood led many of us to superstitiously believe that this picture was tainted stuff. Upon seeing it, I must cry out, “Tain’t so, McGee!” (That’s a phrase from Fibber McGee & Molly, a hit radio show of the 1940s which is before My time, too.) But nonetheless, “Tain’t so, McGee!”
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’S Assistant is a three-ring cinematic sideshow of fun, fear and something-else-that-begins-with-f-but-i-haven’t-figured-out-yet (freakiness? friendship? fantasy? the fantastic?). My old pal, Cinefantastique’s Dan Scapperotti, and I caught a press screening the other night—and we were both enchanted by it. Directed by Paul Weitz, it’s based on the teen dark fantasy saga by Darren Shan (specifically on the first two volumes, A Living Nightmare and The Vampire’S Assistant), adapted by Brian Helgeland & Weitz. Now, I’ve Only read the first book...
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’S Assistant is a three-ring cinematic sideshow of fun, fear and something-else-that-begins-with-f-but-i-haven’t-figured-out-yet (freakiness? friendship? fantasy? the fantastic?). My old pal, Cinefantastique’s Dan Scapperotti, and I caught a press screening the other night—and we were both enchanted by it. Directed by Paul Weitz, it’s based on the teen dark fantasy saga by Darren Shan (specifically on the first two volumes, A Living Nightmare and The Vampire’S Assistant), adapted by Brian Helgeland & Weitz. Now, I’ve Only read the first book...
- 10/25/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
The Vampire’s Assistant is based on the first three books in a series of twelve by Darren Shan. Like the Twilight series, The Vampire’s Assistant books are targeted towards young adults, and naturally this movie is as well. If you are not a tweener, or a fan of the book series, it is best to steer clear of this painfully bland adaptation. The movie seems entirely too self-aware of its target audience, and consequently it takes the safe route at every turn throughout the film. This results in a rather boring final product, despite some bright spots.
Darren (Chris Massoglia) and his friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) sneak out one night to attend a freak show in their area. Ringmaster Mr. Tall (Ken Watanabe) introduces a plethora of captivating creatures, including a snake boy (Patrick Fugit of Almost Famous), a woman capable of spontaneously regenerating lobbed off limbs (30 Rock...
Darren (Chris Massoglia) and his friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) sneak out one night to attend a freak show in their area. Ringmaster Mr. Tall (Ken Watanabe) introduces a plethora of captivating creatures, including a snake boy (Patrick Fugit of Almost Famous), a woman capable of spontaneously regenerating lobbed off limbs (30 Rock...
- 10/24/2009
- by Shannon Hood
- The Flickcast
Chicago – For everything that Paul Weitz’s “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” does right, there’s something about the film that just doesn’t work. More manic than quirky and more cluttered than consistent, “Cirque” features a few great performances and interesting characters but they’re sabotaged by the other members of this cinematic freak show.
Rating: 2.0/5.0
With a plot that plays like what “Beetlejuice”-era Tim Burton might have done with the current vampire craze (“True Blood,” “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”), “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” is an adaptation of the books by Darren Shan that is constantly shooting itself in the foot through bad editing, a distracting supporting cast, a super-dull lead, and far too much expository dialogue. A non-ending that tries to set up the franchise a la “The Golden Compass” doesn’t help the feeling that you’ve...
Rating: 2.0/5.0
With a plot that plays like what “Beetlejuice”-era Tim Burton might have done with the current vampire craze (“True Blood,” “The Twilight Saga’s New Moon”), “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” is an adaptation of the books by Darren Shan that is constantly shooting itself in the foot through bad editing, a distracting supporting cast, a super-dull lead, and far too much expository dialogue. A non-ending that tries to set up the franchise a la “The Golden Compass” doesn’t help the feeling that you’ve...
- 10/23/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Patrick Fugit, Chris Massoglia and Jessica Carlson in Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Photo: Universal Pictures Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant is based on the popular young adult fantasy novels written by Darren Shan, and while I'm not sure how rewarding the books are, the filmed adaptation is an insult to audiences everywhere. In lifeless fashion this film doesn't attempt to tell a worthwhile story and instead acts as a precursor to a franchise that will never exist due to the first film's failings. In short, The Vampire's Assistant is a one hour and 48 minute long commercial for The Vampire's Assistant: Part II. They better dust off the shelves at the abandoned franchise library as this one is destined to rest alongside other busted franchise starters such as Eragon and The Golden Compass.
In The Vampire's Assistant, Chris Massoglia stars as Darren, a 16-year-old high schooler with good...
Photo: Universal Pictures Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant is based on the popular young adult fantasy novels written by Darren Shan, and while I'm not sure how rewarding the books are, the filmed adaptation is an insult to audiences everywhere. In lifeless fashion this film doesn't attempt to tell a worthwhile story and instead acts as a precursor to a franchise that will never exist due to the first film's failings. In short, The Vampire's Assistant is a one hour and 48 minute long commercial for The Vampire's Assistant: Part II. They better dust off the shelves at the abandoned franchise library as this one is destined to rest alongside other busted franchise starters such as Eragon and The Golden Compass.
In The Vampire's Assistant, Chris Massoglia stars as Darren, a 16-year-old high schooler with good...
- 10/23/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
It’s not everyday we see clips from an upcoming vampire movie.
Check out four clips from the upcoming film Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant –based on the book series from Darren Shan.
The film stars 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.
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant is due out October 23, 2009.
(Before you check out the snippets, you may want to see the Salma Hayek clip from the movie too.)
Related posts:Salma Hayek is lookin’ good in a new clip from ‘Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant’You there! Check out 7 clips of Megan Fox in ‘Jennifer’s Body’Check out the pics: ‘Underworld’ star Kate Beckinsale becomes “Sexiest Woman Alive”...
Check out four clips from the upcoming film Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant –based on the book series from Darren Shan.
The film stars 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.
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant is due out October 23, 2009.
(Before you check out the snippets, you may want to see the Salma Hayek clip from the movie too.)
Related posts:Salma Hayek is lookin’ good in a new clip from ‘Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant’You there! Check out 7 clips of Megan Fox in ‘Jennifer’s Body’Check out the pics: ‘Underworld’ star Kate Beckinsale becomes “Sexiest Woman Alive”...
- 10/7/2009
- by Erik Buckman
- ReelLoop.com
Salma Hayek is the only woman in the world that can pull off having a full beard or unibrow and still be Foxy McHot. Even though her latest feature, Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant –based on the book series from Darren Shan– looks like another (sigh) lame teeny vampire movie, the trailer and even the below clip with Hayek’s push-up bra, may say otherwise.
The film stars 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.
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant is due out October 23, 2009.
Related posts:Robert Downey Jr. may look like a fang as Lestat in ‘Vampire Chronicles’ reboot4 clips from the Ricky Gervais comedy ‘The Invention of Lying’Video: Crank 2 Promo Clip...
The film stars 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.
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant is due out October 23, 2009.
Related posts:Robert Downey Jr. may look like a fang as Lestat in ‘Vampire Chronicles’ reboot4 clips from the Ricky Gervais comedy ‘The Invention of Lying’Video: Crank 2 Promo Clip...
- 9/29/2009
- by Erik Buckman
- ReelLoop.com
You can never have too much Salma Hayek. So here’s a new clip from “Cirque Du 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.
- 9/29/2009
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
For no explicable reason, high hopes were had going into Cirque Du Freak, Paul Weitz’s adaptation of the popular young-adult novels (the Vampire’S Assistant subtitle appears only in the ads). Perhaps it was because the film looked like family fun that would nonetheless be a tad dangerous (a la similarly themed ’80s flicks), or because the cast inspired a certain amount of excitement, or because the recipe for something magical yet frightening is there. But as a result of one huge flaw and other smaller missteps, Cirque Du Freak just falls flat and leaves one underwhelmed.
The film follows Darren Shan (Chris Massoglia, whose character is named for the author of the source books), a cleancut teen with a relatively normal (i.e., boring) life of good grades and doing chores. His best friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) lives a little more on the edge, skipping class and making...
The film follows Darren Shan (Chris Massoglia, whose character is named for the author of the source books), a cleancut teen with a relatively normal (i.e., boring) life of good grades and doing chores. His best friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) lives a little more on the edge, skipping class and making...
- 9/28/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Samuel Zimmerman)
- Fangoria
We have added the first trailer for Universal Pictures 'Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant'. The horror comedy stars John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia, Willem Defoe, Jessica Carlson, Ray Stevenson, Ken Watanabe and Salma Hayek. Watch the trailer below; Based on Darren Shan's 'Cirque du Freak'. A vampire enlists a 14-year old to serve him as an assistant. The kid is turned into a half-vampire and becomes important to the battle between the vampires and their rivals.
- 8/6/2009
- by Anthony Pearson
- Monsters and Critics
The first trailer for Paul Weitz's upcoming horror adventure "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" has just debuted online, and you can check it out after the jump.
Based on a series of books by Darren Shan, the film centers on a young man who attends an illegal freak show and later decides to join the club. Before he knows it, he finds himself at the center of a nasty feud between vampires and their rival clan.
Chris Massoglia, Josh Hutcherson, John C. Reilly, Jessica Carlson, Ray Stevenson, Patrick Fugit, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek and Ken Watanabe star.
I can't say I absolutely fell in love with this first footage, but then again, the trailer does look kind of entertaining. If done right, this one may actually be intriguing to watch.
Based on a series of books by Darren Shan, the film centers on a young man who attends an illegal freak show and later decides to join the club. Before he knows it, he finds himself at the center of a nasty feud between vampires and their rival clan.
Chris Massoglia, Josh Hutcherson, John C. Reilly, Jessica Carlson, Ray Stevenson, Patrick Fugit, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek and Ken Watanabe star.
I can't say I absolutely fell in love with this first footage, but then again, the trailer does look kind of entertaining. If done right, this one may actually be intriguing to watch.
- 8/5/2009
- by Franck Tabouring
- screeninglog.com
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