Little Shop of Horrors


Little Shop of Horrors is a musical comedy about a flower shop employee, Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis), and his new found plant, named Audrey II (voice by Levi Stubbs). Like a Harlan Ellison creation, Audrey II is deceptively appealing to the people passing by, but behind that appeal lies a deadly intent: world domination.

It all starts during a total eclipse of the sun, where Seymour buys the plant from outer space at a nursery. Immmediately after that, life at the flower shop where he works, becomes immediately exciting. First, customers who had been walking by ignoring the business start arriving in droves. Then, with the help of Audrey II's desire for human flesh, Seymour manages to eliminate the competition for Audrey I's affection: a motorcycle-riding fear-inspiring rough 'n' tough dentist (Steve Martin). When the proprietor gets in Seymour's way, Audrey II finishes him as well. But when Audrey II's lips seek Audrey I, and when a marketing agent presents the opportunity of having a plant like Audrey II in every home on the planet, Seymour realises that Audrey II has gone too far, leading to a climactic showdown between Seymour and Audrey II.

Both Moranis and Martin put on some sterling performances. The main problem I had with the movie was the appearance by Bill Murray as Denton. While there was a lot of humour in his appearance, I thought it just didn't fit in. The music has its moments, with some powerful performances by Audrey II and the trio of narrators. Definitely worth renting.


Movie ramblings || Ram Samudrala || me@ram.org