Der kleine Vampir

Back in the 80's, making Childrens Films was eaiser. There was no need for hypnotic techno background beats. Directors didn't include glitzy light shows whenever good and evil fought, Pokemon-style. Some of the best fantasy films come from the 80s and featured bad acting, horrible continuity, and rather icky special effects and cinamatography as a whole.



"The Little Vampire" which stars mostly Jonathan Lipnicki, but also his little fanged friend Rollo Weeks, looks 10-20 years old but it actually a new release by New Line Cinema. And while for many this sounds like the ultimate rip of the dark children's fantasy based on some pretty famous books (at least in Europe), in actuality I think it's this that gives the film class.

I cringe every time Jonathan's character says "dude" and cringe harder when Rollo lays out the vampric lore dribble on why they don't bite humans. (They dine on cows.) But it becomes harder and harder to dislike someone so charming as either boy as the chase for the medallion continues.



The medallion is most of the time gaurded by Rookery who may be one of the most complete characters in the film. From the moment one sees his vampire hunting contraption looking like something from either "Mad Max" or "Tremors," those who are not children in the audience know this isn't going to be your typical kid's flick. The dark, creepyness continues throughout it's length, and someone in Oscar town might want to think on giving some nods for costume and art direction. Nothing beats the expressions on Rollo Weeks' face when he takes Lipnicki for their flights.

Alas, the film lags and is generally one big chase. The vampires want the amulet, the vampire hunter wants the vampires, and Jonathan's parents just want thier son to be normal. A tricky thing a dark movie appropriate for children is. If they had added more action, it wouldn't have worked. And in my opinion, even with the scares present, it probably only worked half way.



But the attempt looks sooo good.

The Little Vampire: B

I've loved all things concerning vampires since the first time I saw The Lost Boys. (Obviously not an Oscar-worthy film, but it certainly is entertaining.) When I saw previews for The Little Vampire, I must admit that I thought it looked really, really bad. I had the opportunity to watch it a few days ago and was pleasantly surprised by the film. I was impressed by the special effects, especially Rudolph's bat form. The cows were an interesting addition, too. I loved the costumes and makeup. The story and plot weren't all that original and were very predictable, but I think kids from 6 to 12 would enjoy those aspects of the film. I thought Rollo Weeks and the actress who played his sister, Anna, were terrific and I hope to see them both in more films. Jonathan Lipnicki was cute, but is that kid ever going to grow? Sheesh, he'll look 6 when graduates from college. I liked most of the adult characters, especially the vampire parents. I've seen Richard E. Grant and Alice Krige both in other movies and I enjoyed their performances. I would give this movie a 7 out of 10. It's fun to watch and only a little bit too cutesy.

The little vampire is not a serious film and you do have to accept that when you're watching it. It is genuinely funny and shows a new side to vampires. The child actors are pretty good as well as the adults. It is overall a rewatchable and charming film.

First, let me say that I was determined to dislike this film. Premise seemed childish, obviously aimed at children (and I ceased being one of those *MANY* years ago). Despite my best efforts, I found that I really liked this film. It's certainly not "Gone With the Wind", but it's good entertainment and definitely worth a viewing. At the end, I found myself feeling good about it, which is refreshing today. Even better, it gave me an evening's entertainment without profanity, sex or senseless violence. Lipnicky is (as always) cute and charming. I'd like to see more of Weeks on screen, but don't know if that's feasible as he's a British kid actor.

Don't expect a deep message - it's not there. For a delightful evening's entertainment (with the ENTIRE family!) it's highly recommended. Just sit back and enjoy!

When I first saw the movie, I thought it was the cutest thing. I'm 17 years old and I'm not ashamed to say that I really like this movie. It had a cool plot that made it not so much of a kid movie. And it really shows you can make friends in even the weirdest conditions. Movies like this, allows you to sit back and forget about the stress of everyday and you can let the little kid inside you take over full of imagination and amazement. Really this is an excellent movie who need to escape without really escaping!