Now, I’ll be completely honest in saying that I haven’t a clue about how I came across this monstrosity of a film that I ended up watching for this week’s revisit. I’m fairly certain that its amongst the collection of things that got mixed up between me and my senior year college roommate as we went our separate ways, as I know I would never have purchased/borrowed/stolen anything that seemed so pompously horrendous, but there I had it.
The movie I make reference to is the appropriately titled LEPRECHAUN IN THE HOOD, the fifth film in the LEPRECHAUN series. With this entry, our beloved Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) finds his gold – more specifically, his golden flute - a vital ingredient in the to-be rap music mogul Mac Daddy’s (Ice-T) plan for industry success. In the early moments of the movie, we find Mr. Daddy down in the sewers locating his treasured treasure and temporarily defeating the little guy to obtain it. Years later, when a struggling rap group led by up and coming artist Postmaster P (Anthony Montgomery) take fancy to Mack Daddy’s prized possessions, things go awry when, during their raid on his property, they set the monster loose. Now, possessing the gold and the magical flute, they become the new target of both Mack Daddy and the menacing miniature in what amounts to the most off the wall scenario the series has had.
If you haven’t figured it out by now, this movie is the farthest thing from horror. Other than it’s senseless gore, t doesn’t really have any type of scary movie element whatsoever, not even those “we’re going to occasionally make you jump out of your seat” shocks that have become a staple of modern fright flicks. If that’s what you’re looking for, and given the title alone, I hope it isn’t, then I’m going to suggest you pick something else for the evening…
…but if it’s the creepy creature comedy you want, then this is right up your alley. Once again, and more so than ever, Davis shines as the titular character of the movie. His walk, his talk and the entirety of his being allows me to overlook my irrational fear of little people – lets not get into that – and marvel in his prowess. Oh, and his little quips…
I'll take it from you, homie, you'll see, cause you know the Leprechaun is the real O.G.
A friend with weed is a friend indeed, but a friend with gold is the best I'm told.
That shit is crazy funny.
On top of the Leprechaun, rounding out one of the strangest, yet badass dynamic-ish duos is Ice-T’s Mack Daddy. Not to say that it is much of a “performance” from him, given that this is more than likely who he truly is in real life, but his persona in the film is everything it needs to be and then some. He definitely portrays the “ghetto gangsta rapper from the block who’s got street cred and ain’t gonna take any shit” role that this film needed to validate it’s HOOD moniker. Ultimately, however, it’s the way Ice-T’s and Davis’ characters play off of one another that solidifies the awesomeness of this movie. It’s nothing I’d have ever imagined in my wildest dreams/nightmares, so kudos on the casting for bringing these two worlds together so magnificently.
Sadly, the remaining characters - Postmaster P, Stray Bullet (Rashaan Nall) and Butch (Red Grant) - who command the screen for a small majority of the film’s 90 minute run, aren’t all that great. They deliver enough comedy to keep things moving along at a decent pace and not bore you to death, but their contributions are nothing to call home about. Not that this should be any type of deterrent from enjoying this masterpiece, as the rest of the film more than makes up for their mediocre presence, but it’s just something noteworthy given their involvement in the way things play out in the film.
All in all, while part of me is still shocked that this “franchise” exists in the first place, following that shit stain of a film that “kick started” Jennifer Aniston’s “extremely successful” feature film career, deep down I’m kind of happy we got here. I felt guilty for enjoying that original nightmare, and somehow I’ve found myself with similar sentiments after viewing this one. Sure is strange and weird and all that, but somehow it just works. It truly pains me to make such a statement, but Ice-T & Warwick Davis’ combination make LEPRECHAUN IN THE HOOD well worth the watch. Grab a copy and cue it up if you have a chance.
Oh, and be sure to “stay” for the credits. Its probably one of the most horrendously awesome post film treasure that has ever existed, even to this day. It is truly a…
Lep in the Hood, come to do no good!
Deuces.
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