Movie Review

Many different evils exist in this world. Some people might say guns, and others might say cults, but after watching Death to Smoochy it is clear that children’s television is far more evil than the previously mentioned items.

Death to Smoochy is a deep dive into the zany and violent world of a children’s show. This dark, dark comedy stars Robin Williams, Edward Norton and Danny DeVito.

Rainbow Randolph (Williams) had the hottest children’s show on television.

The show had everything: big lights, funny songs and even midget sidekicks, but Rainbow Randolph desired more, so he started to take bribes from parents to put their kids on center stage.

Then after being set up by the Feds, Rainbow Randolph’s rainbow gets turned upside down, and he loses all his lucky charms.

The world of children’s television is rocked by this scandal, and it is up to producers M. Frank Stokes and Nora Wells (Jon Stewart and Catherine Keener) to find a replacement for Rainbow and save the network there is of course, one condition-the person they find must be totally clean with no skeletons in the closet. After throwing away all the druggies and pedophiles they find Sheldon Mopes (Norton) aka Smoochy the Rhino.

Mopes is just your average out-of-work children’s television show host who likes to sing crazy songs to teach kids about accepting stepfathers and eating soy-way too innocent for the job he is about to accept. Now appearing: the new sensation, Smoochy-an instant hit.

Mopes believes that he can do something special for the boys and girls.

But the producers just want him to make money and as soon as the show takes off the merchandising begins. In order to combat this, Mopes hires Burke (DeVito) to be his agent.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Randolph is pissed off and wants to get even with his new rhino friend who stole the spotlight. Rainbow Randolph is about to go on a safari-big game style. Now the fun begins as Mopes gets an education in what it’s like to be a star.

On one side is the crazy ex-host of a children’s show wanting to kill him.

Then there is the Irish mob who wants him to hire a punch-drunk but loving ex-boxer for a spot on the show.

Oh, and don’t forget the largest charity in New York that is threatening to kill him if he doesn’t do a crooked ice show.

Robin Williams is back.

No more Oscar winning roles or Disney movies of the week; the crazy and sometimes psycho comic showcases his talent, which he hasn’t displayed in a number of years.

He is clearly getting back to his comic roots and is a pleasure to watch in Death to Smoochy. When it comes down to it-it’s nice to hear the man cuss again.

Maybe the nicest surprise of the film is the acting of Edward Norton. Any man that can pull off roles in Fight Club, American History X and Primal Fear and then do a comical role like Smoochy is truly a gifted actor.

Norton is so believable as the gullible and sometimes king of his own little world, Mopes, that it is hard to picture anyone else in the role.

It has been a while since a true dark comedy has hit theaters. Sometimes you feel that you shouldn’t laugh, but then you just can’t help it; and this is exactly what happens in Death to Smoochy. Devito does a great job of acting and directing.

The film is so good that it makes me glad that I never got a chance to appear on the Bozo the Clown Show.

Death to Smoochy combines the talents of three exceptional actors in an original story.

The film is entertaining especially if children’s shows played a part in your childhood development.

Run out kids, grab the merchandise, the breakfast cereal and go and Death to Smoochy. Grade: B+