Rainbow Randolph (the irreplaceable Robin Williams) is fired from Kid Net after his under-the-table deals get him busted by the FBI, and the executives task Stokes (Jon Stewart) with finding a clean replacement - something that is nearly impossible given the state of children's entertainment. Stokes has Nora - played by Catherine Keener - bring Sheldon Mopes and Smoochy (played by Edward Norton) on board. Mopes is thrilled with finally getting his chance at the his life-long goal, but soon finds out about the dark underbelly of children's entertainment and the goodwill organization the Parade of Hope. While trying to stay on the straight and narrow, he ends up mixed up with the Irish Mob.
"Death to Smoochy" is a brilliant movie. The setups and timing are near-prefect, the story is completely original, and the casting and acting is ideal. Not to mention the camera work used throughout the movie. DeVito knocked it out of the park with this one.
Watching Sheldon/Smoochy's evolution as he realizes the world of children's entertainment isn't what he expected to learning how to use it to his advantage is entertaining. He's so innocent, and his struggle to maintain his innocence trudging through the underbelly makes the movie compelling.
The clear star of "Death to Smoochy" is the late-great Robin Williams. His character is over-the-top, and he brings so much charisma to the table. There is no doubt throughout the movie that Rainbow Randolph is out of his mind. Williams makes it so believable.
I'm not sure why this has such a low rating on both Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB. I guess people just don't appreciate the darkest of dark comedies. And believe me: this movie is dark. How else do you get a scene like a giant Magenta Rhino giving the Nazi salute at a rally?
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