For the first movie to watch during this Halloween season, I decided on a movie that is kind of a horror movie, but also, isn’t at all. That’s why I chose “Little Shop of Horrors” directed by Frank Oz. (Fun fact: he is the puppeteer and voice for Yoda.)

“Little Shop of Horrors” is about Seymour (Rick Moranis) who works at a florist shop in a run down part of New York City called Skid Row. He works with his boss Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia) and the girl he has a crush on, Audrey (Ellen Greene). Seymour finds a strange Venus flytrap-like plant and names it Audrey II (Levi Stubbs). Audrey II brings success to Seymour but is actually using him to become bigger and eventually take over the world. 

The only time I watched part of this movie in the past was while sunburned and laying in a bed in the Dominican Republic. After finally watching this movie in its entirety, I can understand why it’s so beloved. The musical feels very much like a cheesy B-movie. It’s goofy, and campy, and was just overall fun. Seymour is a great main character, who you root for and you want his life to get better.

One of the best characters in the movie is Audrey’s abusive greaser/dentist boyfriend Orin (Steve Martin). He is a villain who the movie makes completely unlikable before he’s even seen. In his opening song, he sings about how he uses his violent tendencies to be a dentist who takes pleasure in other people’s pain. He is also addicted to laughing gas, and just downright crazy. He’s like if The Joker became a dentist. 

With that said, the best character and part of this movie is Audrey II itself. The puppetry is still amazing 35 years later. The character of Audrey II is easily the most enjoyable part, despite being the main villain. The plant has such a sadistic yet fun personality that it’s hard not to root for it.

A problem I had with this movie, though, is the ending. It feels rushed and messy. However, I found out about the original ending to the story, and it is far better: Audrey II eats Audrey and Seymour, then sells smaller versions of Audrey IIs. The movie ends with armies of Audrey IIs destroying New York City, and presumably the world. This ending is honestly so much more fun,  satisfying and adds to the B-movie feel. 

 “Little Shop of Horrors” is a classic ’80s comedy/horror movie. I would definitely recommend this if you want to watch a Halloween movie that isn’t very scary with your friends this week.

I promise that the next movie I review for Halloween will be scarier, so stay tuned!