Death to Smoochy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fired kids’ show host tries to murder his replacement, a giant purple rhino, because children’s television is apparently more hardcore than ‘Game of Thrones.’

🍿 Death to Smoochy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Rainbow Randolph’s Downfall

Rainbow Randolph, a popular children’s show host, is caught in a bribery scandal. He’s immediately fired, leaving a void in the Kidnet television lineup. Randolph’s fall from grace sets the stage for a new, seemingly innocent, star to emerge.

The Rise of Smoochy

Sheldon Mopes, an earnest and overly idealistic performer, is chosen to replace Randolph. His character, Smoochy the Rhino, quickly gains popularity due to his genuine attempts to educate and entertain children. Smoochy’s rapid ascent disrupts the established corrupt practices within the children’s television industry.

Randolph’s Revenge

Consumed by jealousy and rage, Randolph plots to sabotage Smoochy’s career and reclaim his former glory. His schemes become increasingly bizarre and desperate. He involves elements of the underworld, exposing the dark underbelly of children’s entertainment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams): A disgraced and corrupt children’s show host who seeks revenge on his replacement.
• Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton): An overly sincere and ethical children’s entertainer who becomes the target of Randolph’s wrath.
• Nora Wells (Catherine Keener): A hardened television producer who is in charge of finding Rainbow Randolph’s replacement and becomes involved with Sheldon.
• Burke Bennett (Danny DeVito): A corrupt and opportunistic agent who represents Smoochy, seeking to exploit him for profit.
• Marion Frank Stokes (Jon Stewart): A network executive who oversees the children’s programming and deals with the fallout from Randolph’s firing and Smoochy’s rise.
• Tommy Cotter (Pam Ferris): An Irish mob boss who becomes involved with Smoochy’s show, adding another layer of corruption and danger.
• Spinner Dunn (Michael Rispoli): A former boxer with brain damage who is added to Smoochy’s show due to Tommy Cotter’s influence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rainbow Randolph: “They’re gonna pay, oh yes, they’re gonna pay. I’m gonna make them hurt real bad. I’m gonna kick Smoochy’s purple ass!” – Randolph’s manic vow of revenge after being fired, setting the tone for his increasingly unhinged behavior.
• Burke Bennett: “This is show business! It’s not show *friends*!” – Burke explains the ruthless reality of the entertainment industry to Smoochy.
• Sheldon Mopes: “I just want to make a difference. I want to bring joy to children.” – Sheldon articulates his idealistic goals for the show, highlighting his naiveté about the industry.
• Nora Wells: “I have a bigger emotional investment in my nail polish.” – Nora’s cynical statement reflects her jaded attitude towards children’s television.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $8,364,691
• Worldwide Gross: $8,382,938

💥 Death to Smoochy Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Death to Smoochy’ is weird, dark, and definitely not for everyone. I remember watching it years ago and being completely taken aback by how twisted it was. Robin Williams is absolutely unhinged, and Edward Norton plays the ‘straight man’ so well that it’s hilarious. There’s a scene with an abnormally shaped cookie that still makes me laugh. If you’re looking for something different and aren’t easily offended, give it a shot.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in satire of media and entertainment”
  • “Those who appreciate unconventional humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “While the film’s marketing suggested a broad comedy, it’s actually a gleefully warped and macabre experience. Edward Norton’s performance as the earnest Smoochy provides a solid anchor, while Robin Williams delivers a twisted, darkly comic performance.
• Cracked: “This dark comedy, directed by Danny DeVito, dives into the cutthroat world of children’s television. With Robin Williams at his madcap best and Edward Norton surprisingly excellent, the film is hilariously controversial, though it might offend some viewers.
• Stoate: “DeVito sprinkles just enough dramatic camera angles to support the extremity of the storyline. It is a rare gem, battered at the box office, but very safe in my collection of favourite DVDs. Enjoy.

Audience Reactions

The film is a hilarious satire with original storyline: Fans love the film’s dark humor and Robin Williams’ over-the-top performance.

Edward Norton was very believable as the clean cut good guy.: The film has a perfect cast that provides sharp dialogue and ingenious story.

Overall Consensus: ‘Death to Smoochy’ is a divisive black comedy that leans heavily into dark humor and satire, making it a cult favorite for some while leaving others cold.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Edward Norton actually learned to ice skate for the ice show sequence in the film.”
• “Several scenes were filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.”
• “The movie satirizes the children’s entertainment industry and the commercialization of children’s programming.”

🖥️ How to Watch Death to Smoochy?

As of October 2024, “Death to Smoochy” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings and streaming services for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Death to Smoochy, you might like these similar films:

• The Cable Guy (1996): Features a darkly comedic story of obsession and the media, with a disturbed character fixated on another’s success.
• Network (1976): A satirical look at the cutthroat world of television and the exploitation of personalities for ratings.
• Shakes the Clown (1991): A dark comedy about the world of children’s entertainers with an alcoholic clown accused of murder.
• Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999): A dark comedy that skewers the seemingly innocent world of beauty pageants.

🛒 Death to Smoochy Related Products

• Death to Smoochy [Blu-ray]: Experience the dark comedy in high-definition, with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Smoochy the Rhino Plush Toy: A limited-edition Smoochy plush, capturing the character’s unique design and charm, this is a must-have item for collectors.
• Death to Smoochy Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying.
• Rainbow Randolph’s Greatest Hits: Comedy Album: A satirical comedy album featuring songs and stand-up routines from Robin Williams in the style of Rainbow Randolph.

🎧 Soundtrack

Death to Smoochy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Friends Come In All Sizes” – performed by Robin Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Orin the (Inb)red #Bg3

Ever wondered what ‘Death to Smoochy’ would be like as a bizarre animated short? This video takes iconic audio from the film and turns it into something completely unexpected. It’s weird, but kinda hilarious!

✨ Rate