War of the kid's show mascots, as a shameless Barney stand-in steals the national adoration (and television slot) of a down-on-his-luck Captain Kangaroo stand-in. With an invested Ed Norton as the former and a cackling, chaotic Robin Williams as the latter, the right pieces might appear to be in-place for some fireworks, but the film never gets there. Hopelessly predictable and cut-rate, it's a watery humorless mess. The cast seems to know they're in a stinker, too, with a steaming mound of half-assed performances and a full gallery of awful, borderline-offensive caricatures. Norton is really the only one who seems like he's into it, throwing his all into the part of a hopelessly naive nice guy who falls in bed with a den of vipers, though Williams admittedly doesn't get much substance to work with. Jon Stewart is particularly atrocious in his supporting role as a weak-willed executive with bad hair who constantly, pointlessly lingers around the fringe like a wet fart. Riddled with holes and desperately short on laughs, Smoochy's questionable morals seem to hint that the key to success in show business involves choosing the nicer of two warring mob factions. Bizarre, boring fodder without a purpose, this one was a real chore to finish.

This film is remarkable. This is a film that requires multiple viewings. There is a lot of symbolism in this film that most people miss. For example, in the boardroom scene when Sheldon introduces his new agent (Danny Devito), observe the way Mr.Norton's character is framed. He appears to have a halo around him, as he sits at the long narrow table. Now observe Mr. Stewart's character- similar framing, but his 'halo' is red and sinister. The messianic undertones are far from subtle in this movie,but the film's true intent is left purposely vague. Are they ironically comparing children's TV hosts to a modern day Jesus? Or is there another layer of metaphor? Either way, this film is infinitely entertaining. I disagree with the assertion that it's a "black comedy"-it's dark, and oddly funny, but mainly, it's art. It defies genre and popularity polls. This is one of those movies that rewards attentive viewers.This is also a great performance by Robin Williams. If you don't like this movie, perhaps you would prefer to watch a different Robin Williams movie-such as "Old Dogs." Cretin.

Death to Smoochy (2002): Dir: Danny De Vito / Cast: Edward Norton, Robin Williams, Danny De Vito, Catherine Keener, Pam Ferris: Vile comedy indicating bad intentions brought about, with the audience falling victim. Interesting plot regards Robin Williams as children's entertainer Rainbow Randolph who is arrested in the film's opening. Catherine Keener plays a T.V. executive instructed to find new talent and brings in Edward Norton dressed as a purple rhino named Smoochy. He is all about entertaining and making kids happy but learns a lesson in corruption when promoter Burke schemes. Randolph attempts to sabotage Smoochy's success and even presents him with penis shaped cookies. Too many climaxes are issued as director Danny De Vito loses control. He often makes films about the dark side of human nature such as The War of the Roses. Norton is too happy to take seriously, and much of his story is predictable. Williams as Randolph is the one character of any depth as he struggles to regain his celebrity in very unpleasant ways. Keener is a fine actress but given very standard material here. De Vito overacts as Burke who is the clear villain who gets his just deserts. Pam Ferris played the psychotic teacher in De Vito's Matilda. Here she is equally over the top as a mob boss. Satire about industry corruption within a screenplay that died long before Smoochy. Score: 4 ½ / 10

Allow me to untangle this web. I don't care if Danny Devito's last movie was about jugging rubber balls for a hut full of pygmies on the outskirts of the Congo! This movie fits the bill, and you need to watch it! And that's why the rhino's going to get exactly what he deserves. Death to Smoochy is a mix of Barney the Dinosaur and over the top gangster films. Death to Smoochy is an acquired taste, that has since release, got a large cult follow. In no way is the movie perfect, this movie does take something so sacred like kid-televisions shows host, and turn it incredibly dark. Most of the characters are pretty unlikeable and mean-spirited, and their turn around to good, a bit far-fetch, but I have to say, that the movie isn't trying to be squeaky clean, it's trying to show that even the greater of good can still fall in the mud. The movie felt like a remake of 1939's Mr. Smith goes to Washington with its similar plot. The movie is about, a good-All American boy, named Sheldon Mopes AKA Smoochy (Edward Norton) who is hired by a network station to replace, corrupt children's television show host, Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) whom just got busted for taking bribes. It's seem like the television producers, M. Frank Stokes (Jon Stewart) & Nora Wells (Catherine Keener) charged with finding a squeaky clean replacement for Randolph, under-establish how squeaky clean, Sheldon is, as he's not willing to forsake any events that is funded by criminals such as the Parade of Hope, who hide under a charity organization. Now, Sheldon must try to keep his 'I want to do good", mentality believable, under the pressure of the harsh realism of corruption, leaded by attacks from both Rainbow Randolph, Parade of Hope, and the Network. Making a dark comedy is difficult to write, it's so easy to slip into a really depressing drama, or horror, if not handled correctly. I think the movie is well-written. It is crass, crude, and hilarious. It shows the depths of ugliness, but isn't too mean-spirited to be unlikeable. Still, whatever commentary there was supposed to be about American mass media consumerism didn't really come through right. Without the great gifted acting from both Edward Norton and Robin Williams, this movie wouldn't had work. Edward Norton's Sheldon Mopes is a lovable and friendly character that's so nice, so friendly, so naive, he played all those layers of the character so well we start to believe a guy like that can really exist! He was a bit annoying at times, but overall, he did great as the moral stone needed for this film to work. Robin Williams is just ridiculous, most of his jokes were funny as hell. This is the first role, in a long time of playing the good guy in the 1990s, that he was alright as the rude and irascible with a propensity for violence, type of a bad guy. The supporting cast was just as funny as them. I love the character of Spinner Dunn (Michael Rispoli). He was such a lovable funny character. The witty one-liners, harsh physical comedy and dark, biting tone force the audience to laugh out loud while squirming in their seats. Still, it's weird that Neo-Nazis are huge fans of a cartoony rhino. The music that goes with the film is just absurd, but great to hear; "Step-father," one of Moochy's songs about being patient with mom's new husband, is pure brilliance. Even the "Friends Come in All Sizes," song by Robin William is pretty impression with the opening tap dance. The whole ice dance event toward the end was very well-done. I got buzzed off of orange juice watching it. Death to Smoochy is known for its outwardly vulgar and profane humor, particularly Williams' profound cursing outbursts throughout the film. I wouldn't say, this movie should be watch, by children, at all. It was unfair of critics to call it one of the worst of the year. Overall: Death to Smoochy is screwed up satire, but in a squeamishly delightful kind of way. Plus, for those of you who harbor a secret, pent-up, homicidal hatred of Barney, will love this movie. Death to Smoochy can't change the world but it did made a dent in some people lives. I was surprised to find that this film has so many rabid fans.