Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
When making a list of “remakes that are better than the original”, don’t forget to include Little Shop of Horrors near the top. To be fair, it's more of an adaptation of the off-Broadway musical than the original Roger Corman picture, but it still counts. Darkly funny, with catchy songs, memorable characters, and special effects so good you won’t believe this film was made in 1986, you'll happily hit "play" again the second it's over.
Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis) is a nerdy little guy who pines for his co-worker at the flower shop, Audrey (Ellen Greene). With business at an all-time low, their boss Mr. Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia) allows Seymour to display one of his unusual plants in the shop. "Audrey II" (voiced by Levi Stubbs) draws huge crowds but this isn't a typical plant. It doesn’t feed on water, soil, and sunlight; it wants blood.
For the 1960s version of Little Shop of Horrors, a remake was just what the doctor ordered. This film builds upon its foundation and improves every aspect. Right from the get-go, you’re greeted with catchy tunes modelled after 60’s rock and roll, doo-wop, and early Motown. I bet you didn't expect Rick Moranis or Steve Martin (in a small but memorable role) to have first-class vocal cords but do. You'll have a hard time choosing which number is the best, though any with Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell is a serious contender.
The special effects bringing Audrey II to life are nothing short of amazing. It's more than a prop, it's a fully-realized character with fully articulated libs and an unforgettable voice (Levi Stubbs does an amazing job). The carnivorous flora delivers a full range of emotions without that most crucial feature: eyes. For anyone thinking of making a living in the special effects industry, this is mandatory viewing. You see what they were able to do back in 1986 and you combine that with today’s technology, there’s nothing you can’t do.
Audrey is just the first of many characters to treasure. We could talk about the cameos but that would be spoiling the surprises. Instead, let's focus on Seymour and Audrey. I admire director Frank Oz for having the guts to make us follow two loser protagonists. We see square-jawed Adonises and flawless beauties all the time. How about something different? Seymour and Audrey are weak, kind of pathetic and just a dime’s width from hitting rock bottom - but you like them. If they manage to turn this Audrey II thing into a success and they get together, they could move out of the perpetual slump they’ve fallen into and live happily ever after. Too bad a dark comedy like this one makes no promises about a happy ending.
Having seen both the theatrical and director's cut, I'm unsure which version to recommend more. I like both but I’m going to lean towards the Director’s cut. The theatrical version feels like it doesn’t commit to itself the way the other one does. Little Shop of Horrors is so much fun I don’t think you can go wrong either way, but since test audiences demanded the ending be changed to the one that can be found in the theatrical version, maybe check that one out first and then if you’re brave enough, see the other.
Little Shop of Horrors is everything I want to see in a musical. There are good numbers throughout, many laughs, and memorable characters. There are plenty of iconic scenes and from a dark comedy/monster movie point of view, the special effects are amazing. The casting is perfect. I’d love to see this one on the big screen with a crowd cheering and singing along (but not too loud, I still want to hear the movie!). Whichever version you choose, it's a winner. (Theatrical & Original Cuts on DVD, February 19, 2016)
