Title Cirque Du Freak
Director- Paul Weitz
Release Date- October, 2009
Publication Information- Universal Pictures
Plot Summary- This film is based on the series of books by Darren Shan. Darren Shan and his friend Steve sneak out of their house to attend an illegal freak show. While there, Steve recognizes one of the freaks as a vampire he has read about. Darren, meanwhile, is obsessed by Madam Octa, a spider that the alleged vampire, Mr. Crepsley keeps. Darren sneaks in back to steal Octa. The next day, however, Octa bites Steve and Darren is forced to return to Crepsley to find a cure. Crepsley agrees to provide the cure if Darren will be his "assistant," which means Darren will be a half-vampire and must leave his friends and family. Meanwhile, the villain of the story, Mr. Tiny, recruits Steve as a vampaneze to fulfill a prophecy involving the two boys. Steve captures both Darren's family and his girlfriend to lure him to a trap. Darren and Mr. Crepsley are forced to fight Steve and Murlough.
Critical Evaluation- This film quite justly received mixed reviews. The adults in the film, particularly Mr. Crepsley portrayed by John Reilly, are exceptional. Crepsley's character matches the novels nicely but even as a stand-alone story he is intriguing and imposing yet kind. The children, however, are not particularly competent in their roles. Certainly there are actors out there that could have been cast that would have made the film excel. The plot holds fairly close to the novel but has enough of a sense of closure to preclude a sequel. The climax of the film is cliché- choosing between a friend and family members – and has been done much better in films like Spider Man. The film is enjoyable enough because of Reilly to recruit readers to the series, but it lacks the quality of a Harry Potter film.
Reader's Annotation- One very interesting spider and a good friend in danger make young Darren Shan willing to become the assistant to a very old vampire.
Author Information- not applicable
Curricular Ties- none
Genre- film/vampires/adventure
Book talking ideas
Challenge issues- Supernatural elements, violence
- Re-read the text to familiarize myself with the story
- Ask parents for their specific objections (they are required to file that with our school district)
- Review approved books list from California Department of Education for similar materials
- Review approaches from ALA
Interest Age 13- 16
Why I selected this piece- I picked this piece for two reasons. First, the movie was on my xbox and I was bored. Secondly, I have a few students who LOVE these books.
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