Death to Smoochy

Death to Smoochy (2002)

Director: Danny DeVito

Writer: Adam Resnick

Cast: Robin Williams, Edward Norton, Catherine Keener, Danny DeVito, Jon Stewart, Pam Ferris, Danny Woodburn, Michael Rispoli, Harvey Fierstein, Vincent Schiavelli

Synopsis:

Popular children's show host Rainbow Randolph (Williams) is fired after being arrested for taking bribes. To rebound from the controversy, network executives Frank Stokes (Stewart) and Nora Wells (Keener) seek a replacement that is above reproach. They find their man in the squeaky-clean Sheld Mopes (Norton) and his character Smoochy the Rhino. Sheldon soon learns about the seedy underbelly of children's television and must deal with jaded execs, shifty agents, corrupt charities and the Irish mob to boot. 

First Impressions:

Pretty sure I saw this in the theater, though I don't recall for certain. I know I was super excited to see it because the movie's marketing touted that it was from the director of Throw Momma From the Train, one of my favorite comedies ever (and the subject one of my third-ever review). Whether it was in the cinema or on home video, my first impression of the movie was quite favorable. I enjoy the manic, more adult-focused comedy of Robin Williams, and this film was very much like a return to that form. Additionally, this film's premise is so ridiculous that it hit the funny bone in just the right spot. It's been at least 10 years since I've seen this film, and I'm hoping the laughs still add up.

Story/Direction: 

"I'm Rainbow, fucking, Randolph! Kids love me!"

At its core, this is a story about corruption, acceptance and redemption. Sounds like the building blocks of an award contending drama doesn't it? While that certainly is the basis for a good drama, there's nothing remotely dramatic about anything going on in this movie. In fact, this has to be one of the most ridiculous films I've ever seen (and I'm a Monty Python fan, so that tells you something). Despite its eminent foolishness, this is quite a dark film (even darker than Throw Momma). It basically deals with two concurrent and intersecting stories, the downfall and path to redemption of Rainbow Randolph, and, for lack of a better term, a coming of age for Smoochy. 

Rainbow's tale is definitely the darkest of the two stories as we see the disgraced performer unsuccessfully come to terms with becoming a pariah and being abandoned by everybody in his life. This is also the more outlandish of the two stories as we see Rainbow manoeuver through a myriad of idiotic situations and plots as he seeks vengeance upon the hapless Mopes. This is where most of the laugh out loud moments in the movie come from. Although there are a few jokes that don't land quite right to a modern ear, it's still Williams at his insane best.

Sheldon's story is more satirical in nature as it explores the corrupt and criminal underworld that is children's television programming. The film portrays this world as so awful that violent Irish gangsters are looked upon as the good guys. The humor from this side of the story elicits less 'lols' and more quiet chuckles at the absurdity of everything going on. Don't misunderstand; there are some zany moments in Sheldon's story, too, but they usually only happen when they intersect with Randolph's story. 

Acting:

This is one of those weird types of comedies where an established dramatic actor, in this case, Norton, is cast opposite a goofball comedian, not unlike what was done with Dumb and Dumber. Much like that earlier film, I think the casting pays off. Norton plays Mopes as a naive schmuck who spends the first two acts of the film blissfully ignorant of everything going on around him. This type of film you wouldn't expect someone like Norton to be in, but he does a good job playing Sheldon as a sweet, unaware guy who just wants to entertain kids. Most of the laughs he gets in the movie are because of his utter obliviousness.

Contrast that with Williams' performance as Rainbow Randolph. every time I watch a Robin Williams movie, I'm forced to wonder if he gets a script at all or if they just give him a story outline and turn him loose. In this film, it seems like the latter as he plays Randolph as completely unhinged. It Williams, though, so it works. Can't say enough about him as a comedic actor, and he left us much too soon.

Finally, I do have to mention the terrific Catherine Keener as jaded network executive Nora Wells. Few actors in Hollywood can do unimpressed sarcasm quite like Keener. Since Mopes is generally unaware for most of the movie of Rainbow's plot against him, Wells actually takes on the role of primary antagonist for most of the film. This works well for the most part, although her transition into 'love interest' is a little clumsily handled.

Visuals/Special Effects:

There are no special effects to speak of in this movie; however, I do want to dole some praise for both the set/costume design and the film's cinematography. The sets and costumes are all so bright and colorful, as you would expect from children's TV, which juxtaposes quite nicely against the dark subject matter. Couple that with the shots DeVito sets up at low angles in dark lighting, and it gives the movie a sinister vibe. I think that's one reason the film did so poorly at the box office because people couldn't get past that contrast of visuals and subject matter.

Score/Music:

In this film, the music, done by David Newman, is pretty good, particularly when talking about the original children's songs written specifically for the movie. These include classics such as "Friends Come in All Sizes," "The Ziggy Ziggy," "The Cookie Song," "Smoochy's Magic Jungle," and my personal favorite, "My Stepdad's Not Mean, He's Just Adjusting." The songs are written with children in mind but throw in many subtle jokes that only adults would get. Kind of like Looney Tunes did back in the day.

Action:

There's not a ton of action in this movie, and most of what's there is of the slapstick variety. I think slapstick is becoming a bit of a lost art in this day and age, which is a shame because, done right, it's one of the few comedy styles that can stand the test of time. The biggest guffaw I let out during my most recent viewing is watching Robin Williams run full-tilt into a brick wall. Classic stuff.

Final Verdict:

This movie still made me laugh, like, a lot. In fact, I probably laughed more during this film than I did during Throw Momma From the Train. It still ranks up there among my favorite comedies - definitely a must-see for fans of Robin Wiliams.