THE BLACK SHEEP is an ongoing column featuring different takes on films that either the writer HATED, but that the majority of film fans LOVED, or that the writer LOVED, but that most others LOATH. We’re hoping this column will promote constructive and geek fueled discussion. Dig in!
LEPRECHAUN IN THE HOOD (2000)
Directed by Rob Spera
I proudly proclaim that Leprechaun in the Hood is one of the finest B-movies of the last decade. Don’t laugh. I’m serious. Part five in this nearly fantastic series is probably the best (I refuse to defend the one in space; it sucked some Shaq-sized balls) because it combines two things I love: gangster movies and wisecracking killer leprechauns. Ok, considering only Leprechaun features a wisecracking killer leprechaun maybe that shouldn’t count, but no matter.
This movie delivers on not only cheese, humor, gore, and violence, but also on the characters and the plot, two things I bitch about most. For this type of film, the former are mostly rounded and interesting while the latter revolves around a gangster rising to power and fame because of the golden flute. Our “good guys” are three rappers, led by Postmaster-P, who like his name says, always delivers the positive message. Yeah, it’s as stupid as it sounds, but somehow these three make for likable protagonists. Stereotypical and predictable, they’re certainly not The Wire kinda thugs, but they work as a trio of idiots bumbling from one event to the next. Throw in a murderous little person, and you’ve got one hell of an awesomely stupid movie.
Now I’ll grant the counterargument that the leprechaun isn’t a frightening figure like a Freddy or Mikey Myers. He’s not. For God’s sake, he’s got buckles on his shoes and a little top hat, but a solid B-movie needs just a hint of horror, and he’s creepy enough with the cute costume and wrinkled face. In fact, Warwick Davis’s stalking little green maniac could be one of the most underestimated villains in horror. He just doesn’t get the pub or the respect. But he should. No single character has brutally maimed so many with perfectly cheesy one-liners. The dude’s a rhyming fool with ditties like, “Look at all these glittering goods – I’ve got more loot than Tiger Woods!” Somehow, he’s lovable and his simplicity of wanting his damn gold (or in this case a golden flute) makes it even better. At least it makes sense for him to keep returning unlike a Jason who appears to kill at random. A pot full gold sounds like a reasonable thing that an ancient, sometimes petrified leprechaun would kill for. Well, unless you really thing about it.
Beyond the underestimated Davis (yeah, a terrible pun), the casting here is really quite good, especially with one Ice-T. I’ve come to respect the guy, not so much as an actor, but as a player who’s damn good at what he does. Honestly, he’s a lousy actor and no one can argue against that point. But so what. He is what he is. A street hustler who hustled his way into Hollywood. Here, Mr. Ice-T plays Mack Daddy, and he understands his role, hamming it up without breaking character. He sports a massive fro (in the beginning), delivers horrendous dialogue, and manages to keep a straight face when facing off against the little green villain. Then again, he was in Tank Girl as a mouse or donkey or something. After that, he should be able to keep a straight face in about anything.
Perhaps what’s best about Leprechaun in the Hood, what helps secure its place among horror royalty comes at the end with after being stoned, beaten, and nearly defeated, the leprechaun busts a rap with green-eyed zombie hoes dancing behind him. “Lep in the hood come to do no good.” That’s true movie magic.
GET THE LEPERCHAUN IN THE HOOD DVD HERE
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