Review of Little Shop of Horrors (1986) by Nick V — 31 Dec 2011

A fabulously funny, highly entertaining movie based on the off-Broadway musical hit, directed to perfection by Frank Oz. About a nerdy flower shop assistant named Seymour Krelborn, played by Rick Moranis in brilliant performance who works and lives at the rundown Mushnik flower shop on Skid Row.

One day his life is turned around with incredible good fortune when he purchases an "unusual " looking exotic plant from a oriental street vendor, naming the plant Audery II after the girl he loves, played delightfully by Ellen Greene recreating her stage role in all her squeaky voice glory, but Seymour discovers that the Audrey II is really a monstrous and carnivorous "big mean, green mother from outer space," who craves for human blood and flesh which Seymour must get for it to continue his good fortune.

The film also benefits greatly from two spectacular comic virtuoso turns by Steve Martin as a sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello D.D.S. and Bill Murray as a masochistic patient they are a laugh riot. Fine supporting performances from Vincent Gardenia, Tichina Anorld, Tisha Campbell, Michelle Weeks, James Belushi, John Candy and Christopher Guest.

Terrific songs by Howard Ashman & Alan Menken and a absolutely tremendous vocal performance by the late Levi Studds as Audrey II, amazing special effects, superb cinematography by Robert Paynter and extraordinary production design by Roy Walker.

One of the most outrageous and enjoyable musicals ever filmed. Highly Recommended.