Little Shop of Horrors 1986

Janet Maslin, New York Times: A full-blown movie musical, and quite a winning one. Read more

Pat Graham, Chicago Reader: The best moments in this 1987 release belong to Dr. Steve Martin as a dentist with a professional yen for pain. Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: I have seen a lot of musicals (probably more than most people under the age of 50), and few are as lively and fun as Little Shop of Horrors. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: The movie doesn't labor its jokes or insist on its virtuoso special effects, but devotes its energies to seeming unforced and delightful. Read more

Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine: You can try not liking this adaptation of the Off-Broadway musical hit -- it has no polish and a pushy way with a gag -- but the movie sneaks up on you, about as subtly as Audrey II. Read more

Geoff Andrew, Time Out: This wild and witty musical is great fun. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: A fractured, funny production transported rather reluctantly from the stage to the screen. Read more

Paul Attanasio, Washington Post: Screen writer and lyricist Howard Ashman has mastered the essence of '80s humor, recycling the old with a hip knowingness, all with a morbid, outrageous edge. Read more

Rita Kempley, Washington Post: With its toe-tapping cadences, its class cast and its king-sized cabbage, it's destined to become a classic of camp comedy. Read more