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Visitors since
April 1999.
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DEATH TO SMOOCHY
  
Starring Edward Norton, Robin Williams,
Catherine Keener, Danny DeVito and Jon Stewart
Director Danny DeVito
Canadian Rating 14A
Released by Warner Brothers - 03/02
I think all of us, at some time or another, have been tempted to violently maim, or, at the very least verbally abuse Barney the purple dinosaur and his foam-suited minions. You moms out there know what I’m talking about. In turn, the black comedy “Death to Smoochy” seems like a fantasy camp. Alas, the concept behind the film is more ruthless and inspired than how it turns out in the end.
Popular children’s show host Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) has been busted for accepting bribes, and Kidnet needs a quick replacement. They recruit Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton) to bring his clean-cut morals and character of Smoochy the rhino to the time slot. Until now, Sheldon has only appeared at small venues like help centers, where he tries to boost morale with his spirited songs. He is perfect for Kidnet, not only due to his enthusiasm, but also his general belief in everything wholesome and true - a few virtues that will help to clean up the network’s flagging reputation after the Rainbow Randolph debacle. The character of Smoochy is an instant phenomenon, but Randolph vows revenge on the rhino for taking his much-coveted position, and will stop at nothing to ensure there are worms crawling out of Smoochy’s “foam rubber ass” before his contract is through.
Danny DeVito, who also co-starts as a shady agent, directs “Death to Smoochy” with his usual black-hearted cynicism (this is the man responsible for “The War of the Roses”). But DeVito goes over-the-top with visual tricks and busy photography, sending some promising material hurtling into an uncertain domain of comic gravity. DeVito’s direction doesn’t seem to have the timing down-pat, and there are long, desperate stretches that lack ingenuity. Adam Resnick’s screenplay is actually quite sharp, however, in depicting the shady goings-on behind the corrupt corporation of Kidnet. There is some hilarious dialogue and several bursts of shrewd creativity in “Death to Smoochy”, but the fact remains that the film should be a whole lot funnier.
There is much inspiration evident in the lead performances from Norton and Williams. In a glorious change-of-pace, Williams spews obscenities and chews scenery to the point of risking bad indigestion. Seeing him in this gleefully energetic psycho-nut mode (and getting his fair share of side-splitting zingers) is a liberating reminder of the actor’s unbridled comic roots. He hasn’t lost his touch. Edward Norton again gives a memorable turn as the innocent and naive Sheldon, who eats only organic-based food products and cares about having a positive impact on his young viewers (one of his sing-along tunes is the hilarious “My Stepdad’s not Mean, He’s Just Adjusting”). The supporting players don’t fare as well. DeVito flounders in his role, while Catherine Keener (as a network executive at Kidnet) plays a miscalculated character that throws the film’s momentum off. And Jon Stewart, one of the funniest men on television (he hosts “The Daily Show” on the Comedy channel), is given nothing worthwhile to do.
The production design is suitably colorful and tacky, including the Smoochy Show itself, which features a troupe of dancing midgets. But “Death to Smoochy” only manages to hit a fraction of its dark satirical targets on the head. It’s a bloated mishmash that doesn’t live up to its promise. However, if you enjoy black comedies and all of their usual trappings, there is plenty of twisted fun to be had here. Whenever Williams is unleashed (which isn’t often enough, really) and DeVito plays the material right, there are big laughs generated. Too bad “Death to Smoochy” doesn’t stick to its guns, because it could have been classic.
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©2003, 2002 Jamey Hughton |
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