Death to Smoochy
Plot
In the world of children's television, Rainbow Randolph was the epitome of success. Portraying a beloved cartoon character on the popular show "Lance's Laughter," Randolph's larger-than-life persona and over-the-top antics made him a household name among kids and parents alike. However, beneath the bright smile and colorful costume lies a seedy underbelly, as Randolph is revealed to be deeply corrupt, using his influence to secure lucrative endorsement deals and other perks. When Randolph is caught taking bribes from a toy manufacturer in exchange for promoting their products on his show, he's fired by the network and replaced with Smoochy, a naive and wholesome-looking puffy fuscia rhinoceros who is determined to be a "good guy" and make it big in show business. As Randolph struggles to revive his career, he becomes increasingly consumed by jealousy and a desire for revenge against Smoochy, whom he sees as a constant reminder of his own failures. Meanwhile, a series of bizarre and hilarious events unfolds as Smoochy becomes the new star of "Lance's Laughter." With his innocent and enthusiastic approach to entertainment, Smoochy inadvertently causes chaos on set, leading to a string of mishaps and misadventures that leave everyone from producers to crew members baffled. As Randolph's schemes to take down Smoochy escalate, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, double-crossing, and slapstick humor. With the help of his loyal but dim-witted assistant, Sheldon, Randolph concocts an elaborate plan to sabotage Smoochy and reclaim his throne as the king of children's television. However, things don't quite go according to plan, and Smoochy proves to be a formidable foe in the battle for ratings and popularity. In the end, Randolph must confront the consequences of his own selfishness and learn to let go of his ego, while Smoochy emerges as a true hero, using his innocence and good-hearted nature to bring joy and laughter to children everywhere.
Reviews
Valerie
Edward Norton is miscast as a simpleton in this bizarre, tonally inconsistent film that's both naive and darkly adult.
John
Remembering Robin Williams, Smoochy the Rhino feels like a reflection of the man himself.
Abigail
Robin Williams and Edward Norton are serving some serious LGBT realness with their looks. The split-screen phone call is ingeniously done, with one side zooming out and the other zooming in, creating a dynamic depth of field even though neither character is moving. It's a very spatial and engaging effect.
Raelynn
In this garishly flamboyant satire that strains for absurdity, DeVito ambitiously attempts to encompass ultimate topics that spell out the death of modernity: the alienation of the media industry and the fame game, the deification of idols, and even the essence of Americanness. The nonsensical and farcical children's show juxtaposed with mafia elements, all wrapped in lavishly vibrant stage direction and cartoonish audiovisual confection, seems at odds with the serious and dark allegorical undertones, but this contrast only intensifies the twisted and morbid essence of the story. DeVito's favored and skillful 80s-esque vulgar and frivolous comedic style allows the film's surreal costumes, set design, and props to become a revival of fetishistic aesthetics from the turn of the century. It's a seemingly family-friendly, inspirational movie gone evil...
Zion
Okay, here's a translation that captures the feeling that the movie has a similar comedic spirit to Stephen Chow's films: "There's a definite touch of Stephen Chow-esque zaniness here. :)"
