Review of Little Shop of Horrors (1986) by Harrison L — 24 Jul 2013

There are a lot of movies I love, most of which I can only watch once every few months. (Some I feel content with only having seen once). This is not one of those movies. "Little Shop of Horrors" is a film I can watch every day for the rest of my life and never get bored with it.

The film is based on the stage musical, which is loosely based on the 1960 B-Movie which, although not a perfect film by any means, is still quite enjoyable. Rick Moranis plays Seymour Krelborn, a poor shopkeeper who believes his luck is about to turn around when he finds a strange and unusual plant. Although his boss, Mr. Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia) is initially unimpressed, he comes around to realize what a deal he's found. Seymour cares little for the money, however, and more for Audrey (Ellen Greene), who is currently caught in an abusive relationship.

If that doesn't sound too interesting, things spice up when Seymour discovers that the plant has a taste for human blood. Through a series of bright and fun musical numbers, the plant begins to grow until Seymour discovers a shocking secret about the Audrey II- it can talk!

For the most part, the acting is quite good, especially Moranis as Krelborn. Krelborn is a true everyman; it's hard to say that he wouldn't do the same things he does in his position. Levi Stubbs is delightful as Audrey II, as are the film's "Greek chorus", a trio of street urchins played by Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks and Tisha Campbell. Steve Martin is also in this film, and he is brilliant. I won't say any more, because to discuss his role is to spoil the best joke in the entire film. If you have any interest in the film, please- find a way to see it. Do not do any more research. Do not read any synopses. Do not look up any soundtracks. Just see it. Doing anything else would be depriving yourself of what is perhaps the best set up joke in the history of film. I'm serious.

The songs are all very good, as one should expect from Alan Menken. Standouts include "Skid Row", a rousing chorus number about how much life sucks, and "Feed Me (Git It)", probably one of the most unusual duets you'll ever see. The film is extremely funny, relying on wit, slapstick and black comedy to get across a series of laughs. It's a very fun film, which adds to its rewatchability.

The film also looks very good. Although the entire thing is obviously filmed on a soundstage, it's a very impressive one. The puppets for Audrey II are among some of the best animatronics work I've seen in a film (with Frank Oz behind the director's chair, what else would you expect?). The sets are appropriately grimy and dilapidated, and while the chorus only gets one number, they give it their all. Skid Row isn't a set, it's a city, and the film draws you in like the very best of theater.

The film isn't entirely perfect, of course. One of the film's biggest problems comes from Ellen Greene's performance as Audrey. I know she originated the role off-Broadway, but I simply don't like her in this. Her speaking voice is obnoxious, and her singing voice (while technically good) isn't much better. It's too big, too brassy, too bold. It might work for theater, but it simply doesn't mesh with the rest of the film's more naturalistic singers.

The film also suffers from being a rather lean adaptation. Clocking in at only ninety-four minutes, a lot had to be lost in the transition from stage to screen. Subplots are lost, some of the best songs are shortened or cut (the absence of "Mushnik & Son" is sorely felt) and as such, complexities are simplified. The film becomes a little more black and white, especially with the change in Seymour's characterization.

I suppose I should also bring up the changed ending. While I admit, the original ending of the show is a lot better, I still feel that the film's ending works on its own terms. It's a little cheesy, but let's face it- would the original's dark ending really work best with this medium? Maybe it would. I'm not entirely sure I would be able to sit through it as many times as I have, though.

All in all, this is probably the best film musical ever made (although I still have to see "West Side Story"). It's a delight to watch, and really- it's only ninety minutes. Even if you hate it- what have you lost?