 |
_MOVIES | |||||||||||||||||||
|
THE
LITTLE VAMPIRE review by Joseph B. Mauceri
REVIEW: THE LITTLE VAMPIRE is a charming adaptation of a popular children's series. Not quite a Grim's Fairy Tale, the story blends themes of family and friendship with scary stuff ¯ vampires. It's grounded on traditional themes, with a bit of campy dialogue mixed in. Fortunately, most of the one-liners are left to Lipnicki's character. His delivery renders them cuter then cliched. The vampires take their cue from Anne Rice, being more sympathetic then horrifying. They've been searching for a stone that will help lift the curse of the undead. The threats come from the humans, either the bullies picking on Tony or the vampire hunter stalking his friends. Hey, how bad are vampires that drink cows' blood? Jonathan Lipnicki is amazing, but so is the rest of the cast. THE LITTLE VAMPIRE carries on a tradition of kid's films that understand the necessity of having good actors to offer a hook for the adults. Alice Krige is a sinister femme fatale, who created memorable villains in "Star Trek: First Contact" and "Sleepwalkers," who plays the charming wife of the vampire leader. Richard E. Grant blends his comic and dramatic skills to create an enchanting and scary leader of the vampire clan. Grant has created memorable performances in "Bram Stoker's DRACULA," "Hudson Hawk" and "Warlock." They don't take characters too seriously, and have fun with it. It's a perfect mix of talent that has that "Willy Wonka," "The Witches" feel. Shot on location in Europe, the setting and production designs help sell the tale. I really enjoyed the vampire hunter's take on the Ecto-mobile idea from "Ghostbusters." I especially like the whole vampire cow element, even thought the fly cow sequence was obviously CGI. The other flying sequences are nicely done. Holy cow! THE LITTLE VAMPIRE is an enchanting scary movie for kids of all ages. Jonathan Lipnicki rounds out frightfully talented cast that makes THE LITTLE VAMPIRE fun for the entire family. I wouldn't be surprised if a good showing leads to a Saturday Morning cartoon series come next season. OFFICIAL
WEB SITE:
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
SYNOPSIS:
Tony's dad has brought the family to Scotland in order to help Lord
Mcashton build a championship golf course. As if being a yank in
the highlands isn't bad enough, Tony is having strange dreams about
a wandering vampire clan. On a dark and stormy night, as Tony is
playing at being a vampire, a vampire seeks shelter in his room.
In need of a transfusion, Tony saves Rudolph from the vampire hunter
and takes him to the local dairy where he can suck on a cow. Tony
learns that his dreams are actually a vision and he can help lift
the curse on this lost clan of vampires before the hunter can stake
them.