Frank Oz’s Little Shop of Horrors makes a tightly crafted comfort musical
Frank Oz's film adaptation of "Little Shop of Horrors" succeeds as a comfort film by avoiding the second-act decline that plagues most musicals, offering viewers a compact and engaging experience that rewards rewatching. Based on a 1982 stage musical which itself drew from a 1960 low-budget film by indie director Roger Corman, the film proves that a well-crafted musical need not sacrifice narrative coherence.
The 94-minute film follows Seymour, a flower shop worker played by Rick Moranis, whose mysterious plant grows into a national sensation but feeds exclusively on human blood. Alongside Ellen Greene's memorable performance and an ensemble cast including Steve Martin, Bill Murray and Christopher Guest, the film showcases Oz's puppeteer's expertise in technical craftsmanship. Beneath the comedy and horror sit songs by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, blending doo-wop, rock'n'roll and Motown influences whilst advancing anti-capitalist themes disguised within popular entertainment.
- Avoids the second-act decline that plagues most musicals, making it highly rewatchable.
- Features exceptional performances from Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene alongside comedy legends.
- Blends anti-capitalist social critique with doo-wop and Motown musical numbers for 94 minutes.
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"Little Shop of Horrors" is a musical that started as a low-budget 1960 film before being adapted for the stage in 1982. The story follows Seymour, an unassuming flower shop worker whose life changes when he discovers an unusual plant that feeds on human blood.
Frank Oz, known for his work as a puppeteer, directed this film version, which runs just under two hours. The cast includes Rick Moranis as Seymour alongside actors including Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Christopher Guest and Ellen Greene.
The film features songs by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken that blend doo-wop, rock and roll and Motown styles. Beneath the comedy and horror sit anti-capitalist themes woven into the musical's popular entertainment format.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘Exceptionally crafted’: why Little Shop of Horrors is my feelgood movie”.