Rating: 
Summary: Eh, not bad not great
Review: I'm a big Edward Norton fan, and he was really good as Smoochy in this movie. Although, I thought the movie was pretty stupid. This movie was about a man who really wanted to be the host of a children's show as the character, Smoochy (a purple dinosaur/dragon type thing). Robin William's character used to be on a hit chilren's show, and when he hears of a new show featuring Smoochy, replacing his old show, he hires someone to kill Edward Norton. It's got a few funny parts, but overall I thought it was a bad movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Shockingly bad given the wealth of talent involved
Review: How could any movie with this much talent possibly be this bad? One could assume that a movie starring Edward Norton, Robin Williams, Catherine Keener, Danny DeVito, Jon Stewart, and Harvey Fierstein would be at least decent, but this fails to be funny or entertaining. The premise is simple: in the wake of a payola scandal involving a children's TV star who is forced off the air for his wrongdoing, the network hires the most purely idealistic, utterly dedicated, absolutely incorruptible, and ultimately stupid replacement available: the cloyingly sincere Edward Norton, whose animal alter ego is Smoochy the Rhino. The rest of the movie, however, consists of attempt to kill the Rhino, either by various members of criminals who want to profit from exploiting Smoochy (as they had Rainbow Randolph, Robin Williams's character).The problem is the script. The story is just flat out awful from beginning to end. The jokes aren't particularly funny, the characters uninteresting, and the plot both predictable and hard to believe. As much as I like Robin Williams, his Rainbow Randolph is a thoroughly unentertaining character. Catherine Keener's character's transformation to thorough cynic to revitalized idealist is unconvincing. Edward Norton's Smoochy is likable in a vague way, but he is just too naive and moralistic to be genuinely likable. I do admire, however, the way that Norton as an actor can be thoroughly despicable in one film, and thoroughly sympathetic in another. If one hasn't seen him in other films before seeing this one, one might imagine him incapable of playing an evil character. Still, the simplistic goodness of Smoochy isn't enough to save this film. I suspect that those who have enjoyed Danny DeVito's previous films will like this film more than I did. I like him as an actor, but I generally find his films to be a bit too mean spirited to be likable. His specialty is Black Comedy, a genre I have never enjoyed even under more capable hands. If you liked Ben Stiller/Robert DeNiro's MEET THE PARENTS, you might like this a lot more than I did (I hated it). I don't find the suffering of others to be great comic fodder, and for me the increasingly painful situation of individuals is for me simply that: painful.
Rating: 
Summary: Irony.
Review: For a nation that supposedly loves satire, I just don't understand why so many satire-loving people didn't enjoy DEATH TO SMOOCHY. I can understand why many parents would be opposed because this definitely isn't a movie that children should be watching; it's an R-rated film and even though most "teenagers" probably have seen and heard darker things in the halls of their schools, most are too young to understand the humour of this brilliant picture. However, I just can't understand why so many others seem to dislike this film unless it's because the movie is such a good satire, too many people see themselves in the film. Basically, DEATH TO SMOOCHY is a dark comedy (satire) about children's entertainment in America. It illustrates everything that is wrong with the business of children's entertainment, mainly the whole business part of it. And contrary to what some people believe, there is a message here, though a very subtle one and may not have even been intended. That message being that it's only the purest of hearts that really succeed and make a difference and be sure to never loose sight of your ideals, otherwise you'll either be crushed or corrupted. Robin Williams and Ed Norton are great in their roles and for once Williams' maniac comedy doesn't stick out; he actually seems normal in the twisted realm in which his character exists. The script is great and there are some really great scenes and lines. Danny Devito did an excellent job at balancing the cartoony/bizarre parts of the film with the real-life situations it is satirizing. As someone who briefly worked in the children's entertainment industry, I can attest to how accurate the film is. Everything is an exaggeration of what actually occurs, but this brilliant satire does illustrate everything that is wrong with children's entertainment in America.
Rating:
Summary: Bizare Movie
Review: Think of the "Kill Barney" songs that a 6 yr old sings when Barney is no longer funny. Then film a movie where its the adults who do him in and you've got "Death to Smoochy". It's not Robin Williams best, but not his worst either. Mr. Williams does wonderful when you can let him go and just free associate the jokes and like in "Good Morning Vietnam". But here he barely gets going and the scene cuts away from him. Also hardly deserving of its "R" rating. Most kids will have heard the language on the playground even if they don't understand it. The violence happens mostly off camera or its a set up and then a camera cut. As in we see the axe, we hear the scream but we don't see anything. It happens in a very cartoonish way. Or maybe I'm totally immune to movie violence. Anyway its no wonder it didn't stay on the big screen that long. There aren't that many people who are going to like this.
Rating: 
Summary: bite me, america
Review: Half of the reviewers here have analyzed this movie saying that its supposed to be some grand satire, and that it could have been done better. I honestly would like to see the attempts of some of you reviewers. This film has amazing performances by all involved, an offbeat, yet interesting plotline, and midgets (which, let's face it, make any movie just a little bit better). For the random reviewers whose reviews I've read: yes, there is an Irish mafia, the contrast between Randolph and Sheldon was very much intentional, and he was supposed to seem annoying, to a degree at least. I know this isn't much of a straightforward review, but I want to address the idea that this movie isn't for kids. This film is rated R. It never said anything different than R, which means Restricted Viewing. If you're a parent who took your kid to see this movie based on the fact that it had a pink rhino in it, you are a terrible parent, and you should be ashamed of yourself. This is most definitely not a film for kids, and it never claimed to be as such. It is a film for adults who can appreciate very black humor, and can tolerate fun being poked at the industry of child's entertainment, whose influence on our children we severly underestimate. I think Danny Devito has turned out a well-done, yet underappreciated film (due to a lack of sense of humor in a post-9/11 America) that at least merits one rental WITHOUT the kids in the room.
Rating:
Summary: Funnee Stuff!!!
Review: Directed and starring Danny DeVito , Smoochy takes us on a journey to the dark side of television: kid's tv. Ed Norton stars as a man with a mission: to make kids happy and healthy. He develops a kid show host of hosts that unfortunately unseats Robin Williams' top kids show spot. Williams is brilliant and gives me hope that he can still be edgy and dark. His Disney type films of late have been lackluster and generic. It is wonderful to see him in this arena again. Remember The Fisher King? Smoochy is a winner. ***1/2 Stars.
Rating:
Summary: Weird, twisted humor is hit-and-miss
Review: Those of you who are used to Robin Williams playing straight forward comedy roles ('Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'Jack') may be a bit shocked with his performance here. You first see Williams as the lovable, kid-friendly Rainbow Randolph. On screen he appears amiable, but once you see him cutting a deal with the parents of a child (who wants to dance on his show) he instantly becomes the bad guy. From the start, 'Death To Smoochy' is a very unique movie. I'm not too sure if it's supposed to be a comedy or a drama or both; which in turn confused me on the seriousness of the film. Alongside Williams is 'Fight Club' star Edward Norton. In this role (as the title character) he really steals the show. He, unlike Randolph, is a pure children's entertainer. And that spawns for quite the war between Randolph and Smoochy. Once Rainbow Randolph loses his primetime TV spot, studio executives (Catherine Keener and Jon Stewart) scramble to find a replacement. They stumble upon Smoochy. Smoochy is basically a latter day, 2002 version of Barney. The man behind (inside) Smoochy is Sheldon Mopes, who is the epitome of nice people. Everything he does is pleasant; even though everyone keeps putting him down and trying to change his Smoochy routine. The plot of the film is based on Randolph getting his 'revenge' on Smoochy... hence the title. The comedy within the plot is pretty much hit-and-miss. And the drama/action sequences are very weak as far as actions and dramas go. Had it not been for the acting of both Williams and Norton, this movie would've been horrible. I have to say that Williams using the f-word about a millions times did become a little uncomfortable, though. It might have actually been better if the movie was PG-13. But that's neither here nor there. There are too many aspects of 'Death To Smoochy' that make it shaky as a film. At times, Danny DeVito's plot and direction seemed to want to be too original. Everything about the movie--the plot, Jon Stewart's haircut, Williams' vulgar rants, the drama--was out of place to the point of disturbing. I really had a hard time getting into, and enjoying, the film. But as I said the comedy was hit-and-miss, so a few spots were bright. I did enjoy the young girl who approached Randolph at the point of him trying to kill himself. That part was actually funny and smart; I won't ruin it for you. The ending was also superb; and probably made this movie worthwhile. I will say I thought DeVito should've kept his name out of the cast list. His appearance was unmemorable and probably could've been played better by someone else. Nevertheless his many fans will probably enjoy it. By this point I think I've said enough about the movie. I don't like to ruin things for people. I think it's safe to say if you enjoy dark, twisted comedies that you'll like, maybe even love 'Death To Smoochy'. The acting by Robin Williams and Edward Norton give the film some noble appeal. But it's really only those two actors who stand out as 'good' performers. The plot is definitely original; you will not find another movie even comparable to this. I'd classify it as a mix between those infamous Barney TV shows and, well... 'Psycho'. Scratch that. Whatever my opinions, you should certainly watch this movie. Only then can you decide if its perverse, sickened comedy clashes well with your movie tastes.
Rating:
Summary: Whatever happened to being entertained?
Review: Death to Smoochy isn't going to win any awards for best script, best actor or best anything. It's a dark comedy that doesn't push messages down your throat nor cue you into laughing as so many comedies do. Actually, the lack of telegraphing humor makes Death to Smoochy more enjoyable. Danny DeVito films are usually a bit twisted with humor tending to be dark by nature and Death to Smoochy is right within this niche. Edward Norton again shows his acting chops by playing what amounts to against character as the almost clueless but good hearted hero. Robin Williams delivers a good performance with a nice balance of his non-stop comedic blitz versus a desperate character who just happens to say ugly things that are funny within the context of the film. But more importantly Death to Smoochy is fun to watch and lacks the flaws of straight out comedy. The plot and subject matter is actually interesting as are the multitude of situations found in the film. I would recommend this to DeVito fans that enjoyed "The Battle of the Roses" or "Throw Mama From The Train". The laughs here are not bellyaches but more things that make you smile and chuckle. Non-stop humor is not here and central to enjoying this film is whether you can deal with the children show scenes. They are very well designed in a Mel Brooks kind of way, nowhere as elaborate as some of Brooks' musical numbers but of interesting complexity and surprisingly catchy rather than annoying songs. The other interesting choice was the balance of sweet humor against some very dark humor and a bit of smutty humor added for good measure. Danny DeVito plays yet another slease-ball character and does a fine job with the films look and direction. Most important Death to Smoochy holds up well on additonal viewings which makes it a good candidate for purchase.
Rating:
Summary: I'm Rainbow ...Randolph!
Review: And that utterance from Williams sets the stage for a characteristically demented (see War Of The Roses) Devito black comedy. And if you're into this kind of thing, Smoochie doesn't disappoint...
Rating:
Summary: What's with all the bad reviews, this is hilarious!
Review: Death to Smoochy is a dark comedy that is guaranteed to please anyone who thinks Barney is Satan's spawn or Satan himself. Death to Smoochy mines comedy gold by skewering children's television. Adam Resnick's easy target satire blossoms under the demented influence of director costar Danny DeVito, who honors his legacy of venom-laced humor with the raucous rivalry of scandalized former kid-show host Rainbow Randolph and his squeaky-clean replacement, Sheldon Mopes, a.k.a. Smoochy the Rhino. This was so funny. When I saw the previews I thought, "boy what a stupid looking movie, I'll never see that, ever." Lol and behold one friday night, I was bored and there was nothing to do so this was on and I said "I'm just bored enough to try it, heck if anything I'll get some sleep." But as soon as I started watching, I couldn't stop laughing. This movie was, dare I say it, GOOD! So I would highly recommend seeing this comedic gem, and if you don't like it you're either
A.) A follower of Saddam
B.) A humorlous bum
C.) A poseur movie critic
So see this and don't listen to the debunkers. This is golden and they know it, they don't want to admit it though, like a wise man once said, people ridicule what they don't understand, so for us SMART people this is a comedic gem worth checking out. SEE IT TODAY!!!
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