Death to Smoochy Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Death to Smoochy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 19, 2024

On paper, 2002’s “Death to Smoochy” has it all. It offers a killer premise from screenwriter Adam Resnick (“Cabin Boy”), exploring the extremities of children’s television as a battle for power and fame commences between two performers. It has a director in Danny DeVito, who’s typically skilled with black comedies, previously scoring with “Throw Momma from the Train” and “The War of the Roses.” And there’s the participation of Robin Williams, ideally cast as an unhinged man feeling every moment of his professional and personal failure. The package is impressive, but “Death to Smoochy” is a frustrating movie to watch. It’s clear DeVito is looking to generate an anarchic viewing experience with this dive into opportunity, corruption, and madness, but laughs are practically nonexistent in the overlong endeavor, which never lives up to its potential as a nasty slice of entertainment business satire.

Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) was once the top star for the KidNet Network, but an FBI sting concerning illegal payments has forced network executive Marion (Jon Stewart) to get rid of his ruined cash cow. Colleague Nora (Catherine Keener) is tasked with finding a replacement, reluctantly seeking out Sheldon (Edward Norton) and his “Smoochy” character. A man dedicated to his principals, Sheldon puts up a fight to do the right thing as Smoochy becomes a major star, complicating Marion’s efforts to profit from the situation, while Nora finds herself attracted to the difficult actor. Waiting in the shadows is Randolph, who’s lost his livelihood and fame, desperate to destroy Sheldon, who’s already in deep with corrupt charity organizer Merv (Harvey Fierstein) and Tommy (Pam Ferris), an Irish mobster, trying to keep Smoochy pure for the kids.

“Death to Smoochy” has initial speed, with Sheldon pulled from performances at the Coney Island Drug Clinic and turned into a KidNet star in the opening ten minutes of the movie. DeVito gets to the main conflict right away, and there are a plethora of characters to sort through in the feature, putting Sheldon on the fast-track to temptation as his “squeaky clean” lifestyle is challenged by predatory outsiders. Perhaps it’s enough to stick with Randolph’s plan for revenge, with the semi-feral man sliding into insanity, taking advantage of past relationships and working increasingly hard to decimate Sheldon’s reputation. What should be a recipe for comedic escalation is left on the lame side, as Randolph turns to the baking of phallic cookies to assassinate the rhino’s career. Later in the film, the ex-superstar teases self-immolation to prove his despair, only to find his moment of sacrifice denied by Smoochy’s popularity. Like most ideas in “Death to Smoochy,” I’m sure it killed on the page, but in motion, silly wickedness falls flat.

DeVito knows how to make a movie, but he can’t get “Death to Smoochy” up and running with authority. What’s pleasing here is the helmer’s attention to cinematic detail and transitions, with DeVito always careful to present a fluid visual experience. It’s a sharply crafted endeavor, but there are many issues that work to hinder the glorious absurdity the production is aiming to communicate. “Death to Smoochy” has a problem with overcrowding, as Sheldon faces all kinds of opportunists and dangerous people, even forced to deal with Tommy’s punch-drunk cousin, Spinner (Michael Rispoli, who gets the only laughs in the film). It’s enough to have Randolph on the war path, but the fallen kid show star begins to feel like a supporting character in the second half, pushed away to deal with network vultures and criminal interests. Even Nora’s presence in the picture feels superfluous, as something of a love/fetish story develops with Sheldon, meant to add a touch of warmth to an ice-cold feature.

Death to Smoochy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "New 2024 2K restoration of the interpositive." "Death to Smoochy" is apparently making its Blu-ray debut with this Shout Factory release, and color is certainly vivid during the viewing experience. It's a primary world for the picture, with striking hues on costuming and lighting, preserving the rainbow world of children's television. Cooler New York City street views are also distinct, with sharp wintertime tours occasionally joining the concrete event. Skin tones are natural. Detail does well with skin surfaces, exploring the gradual ruination and age of the characters. Clothing remains fibrous, including fuzzy character looks. Office and stage interiors are deep, preserving set design achievements. Exteriors are dimensional. Delineation is satisfactory. Compression holds together. Source is in good condition.

Death to Smoochy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA is largely a frontal affair, with crisp dialogue exchanges preserving comedic intensity. Scoring supports with fresh instrumentation and position, and soundtrack selections are distinct, with clear vocals. Surrounds aren't terribly active, but some musical moods go mildly circular, and a few sound effects play with movement and separation. Low-end isn't challenged.

Death to Smoochy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director/actor Danny DeVito and cinematographer Anastas Michos.

• "Magic Moments" (12:43, HD) is a video conference interview with actor Danny Woodburn, who was new to bigger budget filmmaking, delighted to be part of the production. The interviewee offers memories of director/actor Danny DeVito, whom he called "papa" during the shoot, responding to his special energy and permitted a chance to participate in improvisational efforts. Thoughts on co-star Robin Williams are provided, describing his sensitive ways, also sharing an anecdote about a special dinner he joined with an all-star line-up of A-list actors. Woodburn also details some technical achievements from the shoot and reflects on the release of "Death to Smoochy," suggesting it was too out there for audiences.

• "Rainbow Stitch" (7:24, HD) is a video conference interview with costume designer Jane Ruhm, who first worked with director/actor Danny DeVito on "Amazing Stories," reteaming with the helmer on "Matilda." Ruhm shares her feelings on DeVito and his enthusiasm for filmmaking, also highlighting star Ed Norton's input on the creation of Smoochy, making sure he was the final say on the color of the costume. She also explores time with Robin Williams, and shows off a Smoochy toy handed out as a wrap gift.

• "Symphony of Chaos" (6:43, HD) is a video conference interview with composer David Newman, who recalls his early collaborations with Danny DeVito, who loved his work on 1986's "Critters," hiring him for "Throw Momma from the Train." The interviewee details his time with the songs in "Death to Smoochy," working closely with star Robin Williams, helping him navigate the tone of the music. Newman also reflects on the film's disastrous theatrical release, suggesting it was "a little ahead of its time."

• Behind the Scenes (7:38, SD) is a rather random assortment of filmmaking moments, but BTS energy is there, watching the production team at work pulling off director Danny DeVito's vision for "Death to Smoochy."

• Extended and Deleted Scenes (6:26, SD) are supported with information explaining why the moments were cut out of "Death to Smoochy."

• Bloopers and Outtakes (5:27, SD) provides a looked at flubbed lines, laughing fits, and Robin Williams insanity.

• Image Galleries include "Behind the Scenes" (1:26), "Production Design" (:26), "Costume Design" (:59), "Art Materials" (2:20), "Production Stills" (2:38), and "Smoochy's Summer Vacation" (2:28), which is a slide show of memories from cinematographer Anastas Michos, who took a Smoochy doll with him while traveling with his family.

• And Theatrical Trailer #1 (2:37, SD) and Theatrical Trailer #2 (1:57, HD) are included.

Death to Smoochy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Miscasting wears down "Death to Smoochy," watching Norton try to be funny, which isn't his acting strength, and Keener is painfully low wattage as Nora. Williams is berserk as Randolph, but even his innate charms are left with little to do in the story, which loses interest in the battle of children's entertainment icons, preferring to deal with dangerous encounters involving unnecessary characters. "Death to Smoochy" really strains to be shocking (e.g. Sheldon-as-Smoochy is tricked into appearing at a Nazi rally) and goofy, but so much of the endeavor lands awkwardly. The movie has all the intent to be a wild mouse ride of extremity, but DeVito can't make it come alive, caught floundering with seemingly surefire material.