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Death to Smoochy
2002 109 min United Kingdom, United States of America R 16+
★5.8
Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Danny DeVito
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
Tells the story of Rainbow Randolph, the corrupt, costumed star of a popular children's TV show, who is fired over a bribery scandal and replaced by squeaky-clean Smoochy, a puffy fuchsia rhinoceros. As Smoochy catapults to fame - scoring hit ratings and the affections of a network executive - Randolph makes the unsuspecting rhino the target of his numerous outrageous attempts to exact revenge and reclaim his status as America's sweetheart.
Budget:
$55M
US Gross:
$8.36M
Worldwide:
$8.4M
Starring
Robin Williams
Actor
Edward Norton
Actor
Catherine Keener
Actor
Awards
Razzie Awards 2003
— Worst Supporting Actor
Key opinion
Death to Smoochy is a divisive dark satire that balances cynical humor with an idealistic core. While many viewers praise the bold performances and biting critique of corporate show business, others find the film's tonal shifts and genre identity confusing and occasionally repulsive.
| Direction | Danny DeVito’s direction maintains a consistent, biting satirical tone that ruthlessly mocks the corruption and profit-driven nature of the entertainment industry. | |
| Acting | Edward Norton and Robin Williams deliver powerhouse, committed performances that effectively contrast their established dramatic personas. | |
| Screenplay | The film’s screenplay occupies a difficult middle ground, with supporters finding it a sharp, dark tragicomedy and detractors finding the plot improbable and the character motivations incoherent. | |
| Accessibility | The film struggles with its target audience, as the clash between cartoonish, child-like aesthetics and graphic, adult-oriented humor alienates both children and general adult audiences. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is viewed as uneven, with several reviewers noting a slow, weak opening act that only finds its momentum and comedic footing after the initial setup. |