Although Leprechaun 4: In Space was a success, it was a huge letdown for the audience. The producers decided to do focus groups around the nation to find out the best way to make the fifth Leprechaun film. What they discovered was that the largest demographic for the Leprechaun films was black Americans.
Leprechaun in the Hood is a very odd film. It does it's job in reinventing the franchise, but it oddly feels quite forgettable. The good thing is that it's a much better film than Leprechaun 4. The film also makes more sense than the fourth film, but because of that it's under more scrutiny when it doesn't deliver. Fans of the franchise seem to be at odds. Half of them enjoy the fourth film more and the other half think this film is light-years ahead of the fourth film.
As always we begin with the trailer. The trailer is like a 30 second TV spot. It's straight to the point. It sells the movie well enough. Like I've said before, don't expect much from any of the trailers for the Leprechaun films, they're not known for quality trailers. The tagline once again is adequate enough, but nothing all that special: Evil's in the house.
The film opens with recycled shots of the first movie. I think the dialogue is the same too. This brings instant nostalgia for the original film. As much as I hated the film, I can't deny that going through this franchise analysis has made me feel attached and loyal to the series.
The rules of the leprechaun have changed again, but for the first time in the franchise it has repeated a way you can stop the leprechaun. The amulet from the third film is the thing that has stopped the leprechaun at the beginning of the movie. The leprechaun is also the most powerful in this film of all five so far. He can just with a touch of iron electrocute whoever is holding the other end. Sure this goes against what Leprechaun 2 said, but the Leprechaun franchise has always changed the rules with each entry. Also with the power of a touch he can make you his slave. The most interesting thing is with the push of his hand he can blow out your heart. He does this more than once in the film. It's the first time in the franchise that the leprechaun just seems unstoppable.
This film has the most ridiculous death since the pogo stick death in the first one. A man gets killed with his own hair pick repeatedly being stabbed in his neck. We don't see this happen, we only see the aftermath. The film also repeats ripping off a man's finger for his gold ring. It was a lot more effective during the second film.
I can't ignore the fact that the leprechaun smokes weed multiple times in the film and raps at the very end of the movie. This is what makes the movie seem odd. The leprechaun is at his most powerful, but he's also at his most jokey. I think some of these scenes were meant to be horrific, but the thing you walk away with is the comedic moments. We also see that the leprechaun has won in the end. He doesn't die, he has the main character under a spell, and he raps. This moment should be horrifying and in a way it is because it's just so ridiculous.
The main characters use a magic flute through the whole film. This brings about success to you. The main characters use it in a church when they're rapping Jesus Loves You. This brings about the most offensive scene in the entire franchise. They change the lyrics to say that Jesus doesn't love you, find a whore, and do your own thing. This is just despicable. Let me make one thing clear: Jesus does love you. He died for you. He humbled Himself in human form and died for your sins on the cross. He's not distant. He's very near and He wants a relationship with you. I would love to discuss with any of you about my faith and how it's changed my life. Don't be afraid to leave a comment.
Leprechaun in the Hood was released straight to DVD on March 28, 2000. There is no know budget or profit for the film. According to Size Matters Not, Warwick Davis' autobiography, the film was a smash hit that was nominated for a Video Premiere Award (the Academy Awards for straight to video projects) for best actor for Warwick Davis. He didn't win, but the fact that he got recognized for this role with a nomination is something I don't think anyone would have expected. How would the series continue and would they use the same leprechaun the sixth time around...well, we'll have to discuss that next time.
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