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Death to Smoochy

Death to Smoochy

Comedy · Crime · Drama · 2002

Tells the story of Rainbow Randolph, the corrupt, costumed star of a popular children's TV show, who is fired over a bribery scandal and replaced by squeaky-clean Smoochy, a puffy fuchsia rhinoceros. As Smoochy catapults to fame - scoring hit ratings and the affections of a network executive - Randolph makes the unsuspecting rhino the target of his numerous outrageous attempts to exact revenge and reclaim his status as America's sweetheart.

Movie details

Death to Smoochy

“Get ready for an unexpected hit.”

2002 Comedy · Crime · Drama 1h 49m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

5.9 / 10

Community rating

Tells the story of Rainbow Randolph, the corrupt, costumed star of a popular children's TV show, who is fired over a bribery scandal and replaced by squeaky-clean Smoochy, a puffy fuchsia rhinoceros. As Smoochy catapults to fame - scoring hit ratings and the affections of a network executive - Randolph makes the unsuspecting rhino the target of his numerous outrageous attempts to exact revenge and reclaim his status as America's sweetheart.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Death to Smoochy?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Danny DeVito

Written by

Adam Resnick

Robin Williams

Robin Williams

Rainbow Randolph

Edward Norton

Edward Norton

Sheldon Mopes / Smoochy

Catherine Keener

Catherine Keener

Nora Wells

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito

Burke Bennett

Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart

Marion Frank Stokes

Pam Ferris

Pam Ferris

Tommy Cotter

Danny Woodburn

Danny Woodburn

Angelo Pike

Court is in session

Put Death to Smoochy on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Sentimental Softie

“Form is the argument.”

Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.

The prosecution The Arthouse Gremlin

“Technique in search of a pulse.”

Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.