The Little Vampire (2000)

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

Fmovies: Since I was a child, I have had an obsession with all things vampires. Looking back now I wonder how much influence the 80's Little Vampire series had on me. I might be well over the 'suggested' age group for this movie but I couldn't wait to see it at the cinema and I wasn't disappointed at all!

The Little Vampire is funny, with a great plot and well acted. Being also an obsessive Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, I found the movie a refreshing alternative to gothic vampire style horror films which are currently plaguing the TV and movie industry at the moment. I can't honestly say how much a child may enjoy this film but if you have a spare nephew, niece or grandchild, borrow one and rent the film. I am just about to order my DVD copy of the Little Vampire tonight to join my collection of other vampire movies - Interview with the Vampire, Lost Boys, Dracula etc!

I loved this movie. I'm a sucker for movies that remind me of my younger years, and this is definitely one of them (well, seeing as it's made for kids, that's hardly surprising). The plot was good, the bad guy wasn't scary enough to give younger kids nightmares, but unlikable enough for the slightly older children not the care that he ISN'T too frightening. Wonderful costumes too.

Did anyone notice the last name of the Vampires? Sackville-Bagg? It's freakishly close to that of the Sackville-Bagginses from Lord of the Rings...

The Little Vampire fmovies. The Little Vampire is a cute family movie that kids will want to watch again and again. The story is about 8yr old Tony who has moved into a new house, new neighborhood, and a new country all together. He has nightmares every night about vampires and a magic amulet that the vampires loose. Tony believes his dreams are true and has trouble making friends because of his obsession. One night, while his parents are at a business party, a little 9yr old vampire named Rudolph spots Tony with fake fangs in his mouth. He flys in, hoping that Tony will protect him from a vampire hunter, only to find out that Tony isn't a vampire at all! Tony then finds out that his dreams are real and decides to help his friend look for the amulet...

Although this movie is too "cute" for teens and "boring" for adults, The Little Vampire will put a smile on kids from the age 5-11. Stewart Little kid Jonathan Lipnicki adds the perfect touch to any kids movie, while Rollo Weeks (The Thief Lord) gets his start before making many more movies within the years that have past. I was flicking through the channels when i saw it on "abc family"'s 13 nights of Halloween. It was very cute and clever, even though it took me a few minutes to clue in since i only started watching it when Rudolph is in the fireplace after being a bat. The Little Vampire is a great movie the whole family can enjoy!

The Little Vampire is a delightful film about a little boy from America, Tony, who is teased and picked on at his new school in Scotland by the local laird's obnoxiously arrogant grandsons. He meets and befriends Rudolph, the youngest son of a family of charming vampires, who are trying to save themselves from Rookery, a vicious and unscrupulous vampire killer. It is rated PG for some mild peril, to which I would add that very young children would need to have some of the life and death issues explained. Both my sons, ages 11 and 6, just loved the movie -- enough that my six year old wanted to see it again, and I didn't mind taking him. The lessons my kids learned were mostly about friends coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the value of loyalty and dedication to a cause. There are enough plot twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat (at least the first viewing!), and although some of the dialogue is banal and predictable, some of it is deliciously witty. Last but not least, the costuming and special effects are wonderfully well done, and go a long way to making even some of the silly scenes very impressive. All in all, I would recommend it highly (to anyone who doesn't have trouble with the notion that vampires are not minions of Satan) as good, clean, amusing fun.

wow, This has to be the best kick back and enjoyed movie I have seen in a long long time. Being a 66 year old (tough Guy), I find most kids movies not to my liking. But this movie had me engrossed in the entire film.

It was pure enjoyment to watch the movie and I recommend it to every one regardless of age.

The wife goes along with me in my feelings about the pleasure of watching this movie. So people for sure rent it and if you have babies, buy it so when they are a little older they will be able to enjoy watching it as we did.