Little Shop of Horrors (A film review)

Horror at Mushnik’s

Shasta Gragg

Unexpected total eclipses, alien life invading Earth with world domination planned, feasts of human blood!  Sounds like a terrifying plot for a horror movie but it isn’t.   Instead of hiding your eyes, you’ll be laughing out loud as you watch the great musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Frank Oz.  Starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene, Little Shop of Horrors, with its dark humor and retro feel, has achieved the status of a cult classic.

Rick Moranis plays discomfited, blundering Seymour Krelborn, an inept worker at Mushnik’s floral shop.  Mr. Mushnik, played by Vincent Gardenia, took Seymour in as a young man from an orphanage to work in his shop and berates Seymour every time an opportunity presents himself.  Also working in the shop is Audrey, played by Ellen Greene.  Audrey is a blonde bimbo with low self esteem, a dentist boyfriend (Steve Martin) who happens to be a semi-sadist, and a secret crush on Seymour.

During an unexpected total eclipse of the sun, Seymour finds a strange and interesting plant in a Chinese floral shop in the wholesale floral district.  He takes the plant to Mushnik’s basement but it isn’t thriving.  After Mushnik threatens to close the shop because of no business, Audrey, always Seymour’s champion, talks Mushnik into putting the strange and interesting plant in the front window to bring in business.  The idea proves an instant success and business begins booming.

As Seymour tries to nurse the plant, who he names Audrey II, he pricks his finger on a rose thorn and discovers that the plant craves human blood.  Seymour begins feeding Audrey II from his cut fingers and the plant begins to thrive, growing bigger and bigger every day.  Audrey II becomes something of a sensation, appearing in news stories and on the radio, earning Seymour some fame.  Things turn ominous as Audrey II’s appetite grows bigger and people begin disappearing.

Rick Moranis does a wonderful job as endearing, clumsy Seymour.  Most already know that he’s a talented actor and a great comedian but they’ll be surprised at his singing ability in this film.  He has a strong, clear voice, perfectly suited for musicals.  In my opinion, this is one of the best roles I’ve seen him perform.

Ellen Greene brings so much to the role of Audrey.  She was the actress that played the role in the Off-Broadway production.  She’s so perfect for this part that it seems as if the role were written with her in mind.  Her ditzy intellect only brings charm to her kindness and gentleness as she constantly defends and tries to protect those around her.  Her singing parts are amazing.  Her voice is so powerful, particularly for such a small girl.  Everyone that sees this film will walk away with affection and care for Audrey.

Steve Martin, though his role is small, is perfect for the devilishly funny sadistic dentist that happens to be dating Audrey.  He beats up on her and demeans her but by the end of the film, he gets what he deserves.  The funniest scene in the movie is when Bill Murray comes in as a patient to his office to get off on the pain from dental work.  The more extreme Martin works to hurt him, the more he enjoys what is happening.

Levi Stubbs, the lead singer from the Four Tops, is incredible as the voice of Audrey II.  Other talent that appears in the film includes a Greek Chorus with Tisha Campbell, and bit parts by John Candy and John Belushi.   The film is directed by the renowned Frank Oz.

I recommend this film for anyone that enjoys comedies as well as musicals.  While not for young children, all other ages will immensely enjoy this film.  It’s broad appeal will keep viewers coming back to see this film again and again.