The Vampire's Assistant is a "mostly entertaining horror comedy," said Alonso Duralde in MSNBC.com. Based on the first three books of author Darren Shan's 12-part Cirque du Freak series, it tells the story of a young man (Chris Massoglia) apprenticed to a vampire/freak-show-entertainer played by John C. Reilly. Blending a "sardonic sense of humor" with a "healthy dose of things that go bump in the night," The Vampire's Assistant (watch the trailer) is a "clever and stylish hybrid" of "creepiness and comedy."
This film is "enjoyable" and certainly "worth a watch," said Lara Martin on Digital Spy. But the attempt to "cram three books into one movie" may be "confusing" to viewers unfamiliar with Shan's series, and director Paul Weitz leaves many questions unanswered in anticipation of a string of sequels. However, it "remains to be seen" if The Vampire's Assistant "warrants a long-term franchise."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.