Review of Death to Smoochy (2002) by Rachel H — 25 Dec 2010

(some spoilers).

Death to Smoochy is a wonderful movie, one of my all-time favourites, and I don't see why it was so hated by critics. It was funny, it had a great cast, and most importantly, it was an original idea when original ideas were becoming harder and harder to come by. The movie is about the happily corrupt Kidnet Television and their happily corrupt centrepiece Rainbow Randolph (played by Robin Williams). One of Randolph's embezzlement schemes is caught by the press and he is fired and Smoochy the Rhino ( a Barney of sorts, played by Edward Norton) is brought on.

However, Smoochy's morals and refusal to sell out cause him to often clash with the Kidnet people, especially Nora Wells (played by Catherine Keener). Randolph tries (and fails) many times to get Smoochy fired, and he temporarily succeeds until Smoochy is exonerated and his life is brought to ruins once more. After Sheldon (Smoochy) turns down the Parade of Hope's offer to do an ice show, a hit is put out on him and he has to be protected by the irish mob (leaded by Pam Ferris). There's a lot of other elements that would really help explain the story better, but I can't share them because they would spoil the movie. The story is used to full advantage and is brought up by great performances and dark humour. Like I said, a great original concept at a time when they were becoming harder to come by.

Probably the greatest merit of the movie is it's stellar cast. I haven't seen any Edward Norton movies besides this one, but I really want to because he is a great actor. This is also one of the few movies where Robin Williams doesn't suck. Mostly because his role accentuates his comedic talents as opposed to downplays them. Rainbow Randolph and Smoochy are the focus of the story, so the film was somewhat relying on their performances. Namely, if they had cast someone else in those roles, the movie would have sucked. Catherine Keener was okay, but she was probably the worst actress in the movie because she's nothing more than just a stick-in-the-mud and love interest.

Now onto the supporting cast. Besides Williams, Norton, and Keener, there's Danny DeVito, Pam Ferris, Jon Stewart and Harvey Fierstein. Danny DeVito plays Burke Bennett, agent to Smoochy, who tries to corrupt him but is unsuccessful and in turn tries to kill him along with Harvey Fierstein. Danny DeVito plays an okay villain, and this movie is no exception. Jon Stewart as a happily corrupt tv exec is a small supporting role, but Jon Stewart is a great comedian, so it's made much bigger than if someone else was in the role. Harvey Fierstein isn't in the movie long, but he plays the head of the Parade of Hope, a corrupt charity that puts a hit out on Mopes, and Pam Ferris plays the head of the Irish mob, who ends up killing Fierstein. All these supporting characters are essential to the story and if they cast anyone else in those roles, the movie would have sucked, like I said.

If you haven't seen this movie, you should definitely check it out. It's a decently made dark comedy with a great cast and original concept. One of Robin Williams' best films and one of Danny DeVito's best films too. All in all, a fantastic film which is one of my all-time favourites.