Movie Review: Little Shop of Horrors Director’s Cut (1986)

I find a little giggle-gas before I begin increases my pleasure enormously.

Orin

Length: 1Hr 42
Rating: PG
About: Meek flower shop assistant Seymour (Rick Moranis) pines for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which feeds only on human flesh and blood. The growing plant attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store. After Seymour feeds Audrey’s boyfriend, Orin (Steve Martin), to the plant after Orin’s accidental death, he must come up with more bodies for the increasingly bloodthirsty plant.

First Thoughts

I’ve probably seen the first 45 minutes of this more than the whole thing. I think this was one of my Thursday night films along with Jurassic Park and Beauty and the Beast. My dad wanted to watch it as it’s not been on TV for a long time. I accidentally put on the Director’s Cut without realising.

The Good

• Rick Moranis is the perfect casting as Seymour. In fact, watching this made me a little sad that he’s no longer making movies after being in so many of my favourites from my childhood.
• There’s some amazing cameos. From Christopher Guest and Bill Murray who have larger speaking roles to Danny John-Jules and Miriam Margoyles who are so blink-and-you’ll-miss-it that an internet search was needed to confirm suspicions (Read: win an arguement with my father who claimed it was in no way possible Danny John-Jules was in it).
• The effects and puppetry regarding Audrey II all still hold up today. I’m not certain a GCI rendering would have the same impact, showing that things may have progressed but physical props can’t always be beaten.
• There are some brilliant songs that you will want to dance along with. It’s up beat music, complete with a Chorus is a little infectious to say the least.

The Bad

• Yes, there are some amazing songs, but the mid section of this Broadway adaptation feel a little flat and more like time fillers. It’s a shame as it pulls you out of the story a little.
• Ellen Greene’s voice is like water torture. It doesn’t help me feel sympathy like I did as a kid. I’m not certain if it’s a natural voice or something that’s put on. Either way, I could do without it.

The Ugly

• Well, the ending. Gone is the the green lawn and the perfect house. Both Audrey and Seymour are eaten by the monster hell-bent on world domination. We then see Audrey II and her offspring montage the Attack of the 50 Ft Woman. It’s horrific, sad and so not the ending we deserve.

Final Thoughts

It mostly stands up to viewing 33 years after being made. Just make sure you click ‘Theatrical cut’ if you’re given the option so that Seymour and Audrey get to live long and happy lives, somewhere that’s green.

Love Han x