Quick Info
Okay, so "Death to Smoochy" is one of those black comedies from the early 2000s that I feel never quite found its mainstream audience, but it really sticks with you if you have a taste for the darkly absurd. The movie is about a disgraced children's TV show host (Robin Williams, in an unhinged performance) trying to sabotage his wholesome, naive replacement, Smoochy the Rhino, played by Edward Norton. Picture the madness of the kids’ TV business mixed with mafia undertones and an extremely biting sense of humor.
What really stands out is how completely the film commits to its satirical tone. The characters are all cartoonish in their own ways, and the humor is definitely for folks who like their comedy black as midnight. The world they build—full of betrayals and colorful puppet costumes—feels just off-kilter enough to be fascinating. Seeing Williams as a villain and Norton as a wide-eyed innocent is a fun twist on their usual roles.
Not everything works perfectly, though. There are a few tonal stumbles, especially where the story leans almost too hard into the weirdness. Some jokes don’t land and can feel a little mean-spirited, especially by today’s standards. But if you can get on the film's wavelength, there’s something refreshing about how unafraid it is to go for broke with its satire.
Visually, director Danny DeVito (yes, he also stars) brings a lot of energy to the setpieces—there's a garish, over-lit kids’ TV world contrasted with some surprisingly stylish shadowy shots as things get more sinister. The movie definitely benefits from its cast; Norton’s straight-man innocence carries much of the film, and Catherine Keener's acerbic executive really nails the tone. Plus, seeing Williams have so much fun as a bad guy is just a blast.
You would enjoy this if you’re into offbeat comedies with a cynical streak and don’t mind some sharp edges in your laughs. Fans of movies like "The Cable Guy" or "Observe and Report" will find a lot to appreciate here, especially if you’ve ever wondered what Sesame Street would look like fueled by mob money and vendettas.
