* * * * * (5 stars)

If you thought Cirque Du Freak was terrifying, prepare yourself for The Vampire's Assistant. This spectacular second adventure is darker, gorier and better, as Darren comes to terms with life as a half-vampire. Among his numerous dilemmas are whether he can bring himself to drink human blood. As for the nerve-tingling finale, let's just say one Cirque Du Freak performer goes on a heart-pumping, blood-thirsty rampage. Definitely not one for the squeamish!