Writer: Howard Ashman (Screenplay) Roger Corman, Charles B Griffith (Original Screenplay)
Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, Tichina Arnold
Plot: A nerdy florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed.
Tagline – Put a rare houseplant on your television. It talks. It sings. It eats people
Runtime: 1 hour 34 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict: Twisted and Fun Musical
Story: Little Shop of Horrors starts when a small florist run by Mushnik (Gardenia) is facing closure, until the nerdy florist Seymour (Moranis) has discovered a new Venus Fly Trap, which he has named Audrey II after his co-worker Audrey (Greene). Audrey II starts drawing in a new audience to the shop as Seymour and Audrey learn they have feelings for each other despite her boyfriend, bad boy dentist Orin (Martin).
The problem with Audrey II comes to light with Seymour, as it turns out that he is a carnivorous plant that needs blood to continue to grow, leading Seymour down a path to find a way to feed the plant, one that includes murder.
Thoughts on Little Shop of Horrors
Characters – Seymour is a nerd florist that has always looked to find something new in the field, he has saved the business with his latest creation, only he needs to figure out how to keep him under control. He has a crush on Audrey his co-worker never knowing how to approach her to tell her how he really feels. Audrey is the co-worker in the florist, she has always been attracted to bad boys with her latest boyfriend being abusive towards her, she does want a life which will see her with an honest man, like Seymour. Mushnik is the owner of the florist who has seen his business start to go downhill until Audrey II appears to him, which draws in a new audience, he sees money and wants to take advantage of his chance. Audrey II is the carnivorous plant that has a taste for human flesh, he slowly starts to get out of control as his hunger continues to grow.
Performances – Rick Moranis really was one of the greatest comic actors in the 80’s this showed another skill he had with singing too. Ellen Greene is a delight to watch too, Vincent Gardenia makes for the typical strict boss figure the film, while the appearances from the comedy icons of the 80s.
Story – The story here follows a nerdy florist that has discovered a new plant which turns out to be carnivorous that wants to be fed human flesh. This is a remake story which makes for one of the simple stories out there, the idea of having an expert that has discovered something new which the world isn’t prepared for, we have two people that are in love that aren’t together and the greed of a businessman. Everything mixed together with songs makes for a fun story that will keep you guessing to where things will go next.
Comedy/Horror/Musical/Romance – The comedy in the film comes from the talent which gets to use their skills to create different characters. the horror involved the man eating plant who is always looking for his next meal. The romance shows the two co-workers that would do anything for each other, but have never told each other how they feel. The musical side of the film does tie everything together in the film, with the catchy tunes that people still sing today.
Settings – The film is mostly set in the florist which sees how the business goes from about to lose everything to an overnight success story.
Special Effects – The effects are practical which shows just what you can achieve with the right team who bring Audrey II to life.
Scene of the Movie – Audrey II songs.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Couple of pop culture references have dated.
Final Thoughts – This is one of the most enjoyable musical comedies you will see, it has catchy songs, wonderful performances and a creature in Audrey II that will never be forgotten.
Overall: Fun Musical.
Rating