Little Shop of Horrors is a 1986 movie-musical featuring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin. This film tells the story of Seymour, a young worker at a flower shop in a poor part of the city, who comes across an alien plant. Throughout the story, the alien plant, Audrey II, becomes more threatening while Seymour and his coworker, Audrey, develop a romance.
Across the board, the acting is great with what I found to be a particularly evocative performance by Ellen Greene as Audrey. Her simple wishes and her tragic life contrast in a heartbreaking combination. The phenomenal Rick Moranis leads the cast in a compelling manner despite his stereotypical nerdy character type. Steve Martin’s dark comedy manages to shine during most of his scenes although his character’s abusive side is sinister, uncomfortable, and somewhat problematic.
The soundtrack is catchy and well-rounded. Fun, peppy songs such as the prologue title song and “Dentist” appear alongside more emotional songs such as “Somewhere That’s Green”. Audrey and Seymour’s duet, “Suddenly Seymour”, is an iconic number in the musical theater canon and an all-around good time.
The sets of the movie are deeply intriguing. The sky in the background is quite obviously painted and fake but not in a particularly bothersome way. The city in which the story takes place is colored in mostly grays and browns and is incredibly dingy and dark. On the other hand, the story aspects are very vibrant. Audrey’s bright blue eyeshadow, the vivid green of Audrey II, and the striking, unique dresses Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon sport throughout the film all pop against the depressing backdrop in an engaging way.
The romance between the stunning Audrey and the not-so-stunning Seymour perpetrates the “awkward smart guy gets the perfect girl” trope in some respects. I find that I can overlook it easily as Seymour doesn’t seem to be overtly misogynistic like many intelligent guys that exemplify this trope. He and Audrey also seem to have a genuine and simple caring for each other from the start of the movie.
Little Shop of Horrors is a great Halloween film for everyone to enjoy. It may be a little older than some people’s usual taste, but that only makes it all the more charming. It’s a whacky, whimsical, and captivating musical with an excellent cast that captures the essence of this spooky season. After all, what could be creepier than a man-eating alien plant?
