Musical Monsters Extra – Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Little Shop of Horrors
Release date: December 19, 1986

Cast:
Rick Moranis as Seymour Krelborn
Ellen Greene as Audrey
Vincent Gardenia as Mushnik
Steve Martin as Orin Scrivello D.D.S.
Levi Stubbs as Voice of Audrey II

Based on the screenplay by Charles Griffith and film by Roger Corman
Based on the musical by Howard Ashman
Screenplay by Howard Ashman
Directed by Frank Oz

Plot:
When an odd looking plant materializes during a mysterious and unexpected solar eclipse, poor slob Seymour takes it home. However, he soon finds that the plant is hungry for fresh, human blood and that feeding it only makes it more hungry. Does Audrey II have more sinister plans in store for Seymour and the entire world?

Richard’s Thoughts:
It’s been decades since I’ve watched this musical version of Little Shop of Horrors, so other than memories of some of the songs, I really had no recollection of the film. What I noticed almost immediately is how it’s a much more traditional musical than Phantom of the Paradise and Rocky Horror Picture Show. Rick Moranis really does quite well while Ellen Greene was more than adequate, other than annoying me just a little with the soft and squeaky nature of her character’s voice. The musical trio of Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell and Michelle Weeks also help the movie move along musically.   

The numerous cameo appearances are quite fun with Jim Belushi as Patrick Martin, Christopher Guest as a customer in the flower shop, John Candy as Wink Wilkinson, a whacky radio DJ, and last, but certainly not least, Bill Murray as the pain-loving dental patient Arthur Denton. His scene with Steve Martin is a true highlight in the film.

Of course, the main highlight is the plant creature itself…Audrey II. Levi Stubbs, of The Four Tops, does a masterful job of voicing Audrey II. His big finale, including the song Mean Green Mother of Outer Space, is amplified by the amazing visual representation of Audrey II.

It was a lot of fun to revisit Little Shop of Horrors. From the top-notch cast to the music and great special effects, you can’t go wrong with this one. Highly recommended!     

Karla’s Thoughts:
This is my favorite version of the story, surpassing the original by far. I love all of the cameos and the music, especially the three singers, who provide continuity throughout the film. The music was definitely much more Broadway-esque. Steve Martin was truly hilarious but he was a little hard to watch when he was being so mean to Audrey. I love the happy ending and would gladly watch it again. 

Trivia:
The ending of the film was originally quite different but more faithful to the original stage play. At 23 minutes long, it featured Audrey and Seymour being eaten by Audrey II and the world being taken over by an army of Audrey IIs. The miniature special effects cost $5 million but, after two failed test screenings, the happy ending of the film was shot and it is what is now most commonly known as the true ending of the film.

Availability:
Little Shop of Horrors is available on Blu-ray with both the original theatrical version and the director’s cut.