'The Vampire's Assistant' and 10 other reasons why we dig vampires in 2009

October 22, 10:21 AMSF TV & Movie ExaminerGreg Archer

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It may be a 21st century anomaly, but for some reason, we can't stop sinking our teeth into vampires. Vampire shows, vampire films--they're all around. The nation loves them and the love affair doesn't show any signs of fading. CIrque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, opens Friday, generating more buzz this fall. But take note of 10 other things that keep our fascination for the big V very O-positive.

10. True Blood

It sucks—in the best way. And we like that. A ratings and critical hit for HBO, it came off of a wildly fascinating if not thoroughly engaging sophomore season (Great last line: "Bill?").  Beyond the delicious creativity here in this well-produced, well-acted and well-written series, the show managed to reboot the culture's vampire cravings. But will season three, premiering in 2010, still keep us interested? Chances are ... we'll bite.

9. The Vampire Diaries

It's not quite as deep, desirable or sexy as HBO's hit, but what the heck, the CW show is worth a look, especially for the teen set. Speaking of ...

8. Kristen Stewart

On screen as Bella, she broods, she obsesses, she gets angry. And we can't seem to get enough of her in Twilight. Tweenie alert: Twlight: New Moon opens Nov. 20. (But you already knew that.)

7. Lesbian Vampire Killers

It may a little indie film, but it managed to find the right pop culture vein. Truth is, Phil Claydon's hot, often comedic tale, may do better in DVD land, but it still helped fueled 2009's intrigue over our favorite bloodsuckers.

6. John C. Reilly

He plays a tres gothic and super dark vampire in traveling freak show in the new film The Vampire's Assistant (in theaters Oct. 23). Buzz has been good for the previews, and that's plenty get people in the theater during opening weekend.

5. Stephanie Meyer

Let's not forget about this prolific scribe who actually penned the "Twilight" book series.

4. Alexander Skarsgard

Hot and hunky. What's not to like? He may play a bad-boy vampire on True Blood, but by now, millions of straight women and gay men wish he can just play one in their bedroom. 

3. Robert Pattinson

Teen dream and all-around hottie. That's probably reason enough to dig the pale blood-sucking stud-muffin he plays in Twilight. The good news, for all those tweens and teens out there, is that Pattinson has enough charm to lure in young audiences—more than once. That usually translates into millions at the box office and that many more text messages (Best Vamp Forever!) between the puberty set.

2. Anna Paquin

She may play Sookie Stackhouse on True Blood, but Sookie, on some level, represents us—inquisitive and so terribly drawn to the "dark" that will balance the "light." Sure, we can't read minds (not all of us, anyway), but what Paquin is able to evoke is a captivating if not rare emotional depth. There's no character like her on TV. Better still, she makes us care about what Sookie is going through. Not an easy feat for any actress.

1. Steven Moyer

Youth doesn't always win (sorry Robbie P). The fact is, Steven Moyer as HBO's hot and haunting vamp in True Blood, has done more for the vampire this decade than T. Cruise did back in the ’90s. Good acting helps. But so do those love scenes. Up next: Let's hope HBO can create a believable storyline next season when it informs viewers where our dear Bill ended up being ’napped in that blood-pumping season cliffhanger.

Watch the trailer for The Vampire's Assistant (below): Read more articles like this here. Learn more about Greg Archer at gregarcher.com.