Death To Smoochy

Ah, kid shows. From Barney to Sesame Street to Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, is there any form of television entertainment more innocent and good-hearted? Well, that's not exactly the case with Rainbow Randolph, a famed host o his number one kid's show was recently kicked to the curb after accepting bribes. The network, under pressure to clean up their act, finds the most pure person they can to replace him; they come up with Smoochy the Rhino, a naive vegan who loves everyone.

As Randolph stews in the apartment of a former co-star and tries to get his timeslot back, Smoochy learns the hard ways the cruel world of kid's television. From endless commercialization to the Irish mob to corrupt charities, it's a very rough world for this pink Rhino. Will he make it in the end with his ideals intact? Or is he on the road to extinction?

One of the meaner and stranger comedies I've seen, this is one underlooked gem. The story works well enough, though it does face some problems when it tries to get too many characters in (the charity bit didn't really work as well as it should've). The acting is excellent, from shifty Danny DeVito as a corrupt agent, Jon Stewart as the befuddled network executive, Edward Norton (yes, Edward Norton. I'm not really sure how he managed to end in this either, but it's good to have him) as the sweet Smoochy, and Robin Williams as disgruntled Randolph. All are hilarious, especially Williams, who's endless cursing and insane rants are an absolute stitch to watch.

Overall it's a wonderful little dark comedy, and one I will be buying very soon (and hopefully be snagging a movie poster as well). Definitely one to check out, especially for Robin Williams fans (or just those who want to see that he can still be completely hilarious).

Trailer: http://www.spike.com/video/death-to/2423160