- Film Review
- Reviewed By Joanna Berry
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2 out of 5
An odd mix of comedy and drama that could have worked if the writer and director had picked one or the other. Robin Williams, showing he's far more watchable as a sleazy villain than some touchy-feely Patch Adams type, is a children's entertainer on TV who finds himself sacked after it's discovered he's been taking backhanders. In his place, a young, idealistic man (Edward Norton) is hired, who dresses up as a Barney-like character named Smoochy and sings to kids about all the good things in the world. Understandably, Williams believes Smoochy must die, so he can get his old job back. The darkly comic elements - as Williams tries more and more despicable ways of despatching Smoochy - work brilliantly, but someone obviously got nervous about such a dark look at children's TV and decided to make it as cute and fluffy as Smoochy by the end.
Plot Summary
Black comedy drama starring Robin Williams and Edward Norton. After kids TV presenter Rainbow Randolph is sacked and replaced by Smoochy the Rhino, he becomes obsessed with bringing about his rival's downfall.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Rainbow Randolph
- Robin Williams
- Sheldon Mopes / Smoochy the Rhino
- Edward Norton
- Nora Wells
- Catherine Keener
- Burke Bennett
- Danny DeVito
- Marion Frank Stokes
- Jon Stewart
- Merv Green
- Harvey Fierstein
- Spinner Dunn
- Michael Rispoli
- Tommy Cotter
- Pam Ferris
- Buggy Ding Dong
- Vincent Schiavelli
- Network chairman
- Robert Prosky
Crew
- Director
- Danny DeVito
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