Movie Review: Death To Smoochy

Rainbow Randolph, the host of a popular kiddie television show, is a corrupt, mean drunk who can’t stand the kids on the show or his job. Randolph finally gets fired and ends up on the street homeless, seeking revenge. Sheldon Mopes is a gullible, clean-living guy who has an interest in of all things integrity when it comes to children’s programming. Sheldon introduces the world to Smoochy, a purple colored rhinoceros. The kids love Smoochy’s new program, while the execs at the television station are torn between the mega profits they are pulling in and shutting down the requests by Sheldon to include healthy living and friendship themes as the centerpiece of the program. Meanwhile, Rainbow Randolph is determined to eliminate Smoochy by any means possible in order to reclaim his rightful place on the show.

Death To Smoochy was not treated kindly by critics and was not a hit when it premiered in theaters. Frankly I think a lot of people just didn’t get the movie. It is a black comedy, much the same as DeVito’s The War Of The Roses. Death To Smoochy is a film of very dark humor with social commentary, cutting lines, and a scathing view of corporate evil thrown in the mix. Norton and Williams hit the mark with their comic delivery, Norton, Williams and Keener are excellent, and the rest of the cast is terrific. Take a look at the cast and you will see actors who generally choose unique film projects. This is not a kids film, it is a film for adults who don’t mind thinking when they watch a movie. Death To Smoochy is hilarious in oh so many ways and is one of my favorite movies. If you like smart comedy Death To Smoochy should be on your must see list.

2002. Directed by Danny DeVito. Starring Edward Norton, Robin Williams, Catherine Keener, Jon Stewart, Danny DeVito, Michael Rispoli, Harvey Fierstein and Vincent Schiavelli.

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