"Death to Smoochy": Danny DeVito's dark comedy dives into corrupt world of children's television.
| Entertainment |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
4 min read
Directed by Danny DeVito, "Death to Smoochy" is a dark comedy film that revolves around the world of children's television. The film portrays the character "Smoochy the Rhino", a pink, innocent TV mascot played by Edward Norton. Robin Williams stars as "Rainbow Randolph," a disgraced kids’ show host seeking revenge against Smoochy. The storyline explores themes of corruption, revenge, and the dark underbelly of entertainment.
"Death to Smoochy" featured a notable ensemble cast that included Catherine Keener, Jon Stewart, and Danny DeVito himself, in addition to the leading roles. Despite its unique premise and experienced cast, the film struggled critically and commercially. With mixed reviews from critics and subpar performance at the box office, it did not meet expectations set by high-profile actors and DeVito's directorial history. Critics pointed to its satirical tone and uneven storytelling as negative aspects, though some praised the performances of the cast members.
Financially, "Death to Smoochy" did not recoup its production budget. With an estimated budget of around $50 million, the film's domestic gross fell short, making less than half of that amount. It failed to attract a broad audience which could have converted its bold, dark humor into financial success.
Despite the initial reception, the film has garnered a cult following over time. Viewers who appreciate dark comedies often re-examine "Death to Smoochy" for its satirical take on television and media culture. Although it did not achieve mainstream success, the film remains a point of discussion for many cinema enthusiasts and fans of black comedy.
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Primary Reference: Death to Smoochy - Wikipedia

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