Review of Leprechaun 5: In the Hood

The Leprechaun has built up a healthy reputation. First comes the stupid, but ground-breaking first one. Then comes the way-better Leprechaun 2. After the box-office failure of the second, Leprechaun 3 went straight to video, and was the first one I had the pleasure of seeing. I can't really recommend Leprechaun 4, (how the hell did he end up in space?) so I was wary after hearing that the 5th would be on its way in early 2000. But it turns out that this Leprechaun is the funniest, best-written one yet. Leprechaun in the Hood starts out with a showdown between Mack Daddy and the Leprechaun over a magic flute. After pulling several weapons out of his afro, Mack knocks out the Leprechaun with a burst-open gas pipe, and renders him "statue-esque" with a magic medallion. Several years later, Mack is relishing in his success as a rap-producer thanks to the magical flute, although he also decided to keep the immobile Leprechaun in his living room for safety reasons. Meanwhile, three budding rappers and best buddies Postmaster P, Stray Bullet, and Butch are struggling to get to Vegas for a rap contest. Unlike other rappers, all three prefer to stick to rapping with positive vibes. After getting humilated by Mack Daddy after he destroys their demo tape, the three to rob Mack Daddy of his possessions so they can pawn them off to afford decent audition equipment. They rob the place, and end up shooting Mack Daddy in the melee. Butch spots the Leprechaun statue in the center of the room and removes the medallion, freeing it. Post makes out with Mack Daddy's flute just before the Leprechaun confronts the three. They shoot him down and dart off. Mack rises from the floor, surprisingly unharmed. He meets the Leprechaun, recovering from his wounds, and runs off to a club, where the Leprechaun catches up and meets him in the bathroom. Mack and the Leprechaun share a blunt and decide to team up to retrieve the flute after the Leprechaun rips off Mack's trigger finger. The three discover that the flute Post made out with has magical powers, and use it to get them fame and fortune. (SPOILERS) This film is best described as a mix between Leprechaun and Friday, to tell you the truth, the Lep doesn't even show up as much as the previous sequels. This film also has a quality that the other films lack... emotion for the main characters. When Stray and Butch die, you actually feel something for them. Believe it or not. Diehard Lep fans will enjoy this film, the kills are gory, the acting is actually good for a change, and Warwick Davis continues to dominate. Don't miss the church scene!!!!