Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)
What IS that strange and interesting plant in the window?
Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Levi Stubbs, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, John Candy, James Belushi, Christopher Guest, Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, Tisha Campbell
Director: Frank Oz
Running Time: 94 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: PG
Comedy, Horror, Musical, Science Fiction
On DVD I've never been much of a fan of musicals. I've never quite gotten how or why people would randomly start belting out apparently improvised songs to which everyone surrounding them somehow know all the words. But even I am completely captivated by "Little Shop of Horrors", with its Motown-esque numbers, stellar cast, and dark yet hilarious brand of humour.
Rick Moranis - showing off a surprisingly competent singing voice - takes the lead as down-on-his-luck uber-nerd Seymour Krelborn, the plant store assistant whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of a "mean green mother from outer-space". The newcomer in Seymour's life - who he names "Audrey II" after workmate and love-of-his-life Audrey (Ellen Greene) - attracts a sudden barrage of customers to the shop, but there's a catch. Audrey II has developed a taste for blood, and before too long Seymour's gonna have to feed him.
On top form is Steve Martin as the floppy-fringed dentist who, when not exercising his particularly painful line in tooth-extraction, is squeaky-voiced Audrey's less-than-doting boyfriend. Also popping up along the way are the late great John Candy as a wacko radio DJ, James Belushi as an advertising executive, Christopher Guest as an inquisitive customer, and Bill Murray in a riotous role as a masochistic dental patient.
Unfortunately, this current DVD edition doesn't contain the legendary alternate ending, which was pulled from the movie after horrifying test audiences with its' decidedly morbid outcome. An earlier edition of the DVD carried this rare conclusion as an extra feature, only to be pulled from the shelves after a copyright spat with producer David Geffen. The ending eventually used does work, however, and doesn't detract from what is a fantastic movie.
DVD Extras: Commentary with director Frank Oz, out-takes, music track, "Making of" featurette, TV spots, theatrical trailers.
It's Got: Levi Stubbs, of "Four Tops" fame, as the jive-talkin' voice of Audrey II.
It Needs: To have that alternate ending included on the DVD - it's well worth seeing, but unfortunately very few people have.
Alternatives: Little Shop of Horrors (1960 non-musical B-horror version featuring a young Jack Nicholson)
Summary: A great musical, a fantastic comedy and a darkly satirical sci-fi - and make sure you pay attention to the lyrics of the songs or you'll miss out on some of the best laughs of the lot.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 24th May 2003
External Links
Little Shop Of Horrors at the IMDB
Comments6 Comments |
| the best film ever |
| Comment by:- Anonymous | | 01 May 2004 | ip: logged |
| This was the worst movie I've EVER saw!!!!!!!!! |
| Comment by:- Lauren | | 06 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I hated this movie |
| Comment by:- ?????????????????? | | 06 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| its a classic-cult film. brilliant!! |
| Comment by:- anon | | 09 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| This is one of the greatest movies ever made with an exithing cast you could put together.With a surprising singing-Rick Moranis,who's just outstanding.Ellen Greene,Steve Martin,James Belushi and John Candy!What more could you ask for?There couldn't have been a better musical! |
| Comment by:- T.K. | | 20 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I loved the movie it makes me want to watch it over and over because it is funny but yet a little weird and i just love it! |
| Comment by:- Someone you dont know | | 16 December 2004 | ip: logged |
