Shane Acker, devised this longer version of his 9 creation from his shorter 11 mins screenplay (see below) that won him the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 2006. The original version of 9 has no voice work, relying solely on, stunning visuals,  sounds and the interactions of the characters as they explore a world, to them that’s brand new. Clearly, a lot of care and attention to detail was put into place when Acker created 9.  No wonder why he won that Oscar.

9 Film Poster

Much of the look and feel that gave the original it’s charm all seem to be there for this feature film, 9 comes across as dark and frightening in a world that none of us would ever like to imagine to come true. So cue Tim Burton (Corpse Bride) as 9‘s producer. Burton and Acker have both stuck to what gave the original 9 so much presence and we at The Film Buzz think they’ve done an amazing job. You can check out 9 in theatres now.

The Film Buzz Anticipation Rating: 6/10

UK Release Date: 28th October 2009

Director: Shane Acker

Writer’s: Shane Acker, Pamela Pettler

Links: IMDB, Offical Site, Rotten Tomatoes

Darren and his friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson from Bridge to Terabithia) visit the Cirque Du Freak and find many weird and wonderful things such as bearded ladies and poisonous but magical spiders, the two are then embroiled into the world of vampires with Steve realizing that Mr. Crepsley (John C. Reilly of Step Brothers) is in fact a vampire.

After requesting to become a vampire and then being refused for having ‘bad blood’ Steve declares revenge on Crepsley. Darren on the other hand, after a series of events is welcomed into Crepsley’s clan as a Vampire’s Assistant.

Many fans have been waiting patiently for the Cirque Du Freak to hit cinemas; this adaptation encompasses the first three books of the total 12 in the series, leaving the possibility for several sequels to completely cover the Darren Shan Saga.

The Vampire’s Assistant is definitely a film for the fans. Currently sitting pretty at number 5 in the UK Box Office Top Ten, many young teenage fans can’t wait to tell me how excited they are to see this film, however the enthusiasm  for Darren Shan seems to die down when the words ‘Twilight’ or ‘New Moon’ are mentioned. Something tells me when New Moon hits theatres later this month there will be only one vampire on everyone’s minds. Looks like Universal Pictures were right to release this tale before the Edward Cullen bubble hits us.

The Film Buzz Rating: 5/10

Release Date: 23rd October 2009

Director: Paul Weitz

Writer’s: Paul Weitz, Brian Helgeland & Darren Shan