Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Plot Summary: Seymour Krelborn, a shy and meek florist assistant, discovers a mysterious plant he names Audrey II. The plant brings him fame and fortune, but it harbors a dark secret: it thrives on human blood. As Seymour struggles to keep Audrey II fed, he must face the increasingly dire consequences of his choices in this darkly comedic musical.

Director: Frank Oz
Producer: David Geffen
Screenplay: Howard Ashman

Starring:
Rick Moranis as Seymour Krelborn
Ellen Greene as Audrey
Vincent Gardenia as Mr. Mushnik
Steve Martin as Orin Scrivello, DDS
Levi Stubbs as the voice of Audrey II

 

***SPOILER ALERT***

Exploring another Cult Classic

Continuing our journey through Frank Oz's filmography, we arrive at the cult horror musical Little Shop of Horrors completed 1 year before I was born. Once again, Oz impresses with unbelievably detailed puppet animatronics. The monster plant Audrey II is a technical marvel, with perfect movement and lip sync that bring it to life. Hearing Audrey II sing in the soulful voice of Levi Stubbs from The Four Tops is a delight, and the standout song "Feed Me (Git It!)" is an absolute banger. When it shifts into full rock and roll, it’s hard to stay seated, you just want to stomp your feet. This movie is something truly special, blending music, horror, and comedy in an unforgettable way.

The Performances and Humor

The film’s choreography, camera work, and editing are a masterclass in fluid and dynamic storytelling. A particular highlight is Steve Martin as the sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello, channeling the energy of Lux Interior from The Cramps. His scenes are hilarious, especially when paired with Bill Murray as a masochistic patient requesting "a long, slow root canal." Comedy gold! Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene shine as an awkward romantic duo, and their singing is both charming and entertaining. Howard Ashman’s lyrics are inventive and fun, cementing his legacy as a key contributor to Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.

The Original Cut and Final Thoughts

I watched the original cut, and like the test audiences, I found the ending, where evil prevails, a bit unsettling. It left me pondering the metaphorical meaning of the movie, with Audrey II possibly representing greed or unchecked ambition. However, learning the backstory of the original 1960 film grounded my overthinking; director Roger Corman conceived the idea in just five minutes to reuse leftover sets from A Bucket of Blood. The tragic ending might work well on stage but feels off in a cinematic setting. That said, it subverts expectations, leaving a lasting impression and the memorable advice: don’t feed the plants! While I did feel a dip in engagement during Audrey’s final song, the mesmerizing performance by Audrey II (a creation of Lyle Conway) and the overall ride made it a worthwhile watch. I’m not a huge fan of musicals, but this one is a must-see for its unique charm.

🎥 Cinematography (9/10):

Amazing camera work and editing. Everything feels fluid and fun to watch.

📖 Story (7/10):

Quirky and unique, but the original ending felt a bit strange.

🎬 Direction (9/10):

Frank Oz nails the mix of comedy, horror, and musical energy.

👥 Characters (9/10):

All characters are wonderful, but I'm a big fan of the Dentist.

💥 Visual Effects (10/10):

Audrey II is incredible, perfect movement and lip sync.

🎭 Acting (8/10):

All great.

💬 Dialogue (8/10):

Sharp and clever, especially the lyrics by Howard Ashman.

🌍 Setting/Atmosphere (7/10):

Pinewood Studios sets give it a dreamy, fantastical vibe that works perfectly.

🎵 Music (7/10):

Songs are super catchy, especially "Feed Me (Git It!),".

😄 Entertainment Value (8/10):

A fun ride, even if it drags a bit near the end.

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