Death to Smoochy êê1/2 Recommended ( R for language/sexuality)

Reviewed By Cathy Edsey Collins

A contract out on Barney

Robin Williams: Rainbow Randolph Smiley	Edward Norton: Sheldon Mopes Smoochy
Danny DeVito: Burke	Jon Stewart: M. Frank Stokes
Catherine Keener: Nora Wells	Harvey Feinstein: Merv Green
Michael Rispoli: Spinner Dunn	Pam Ferris: Tommy Cotter

30 Second Bottom Line: Rainbow Ralph (Robin Williams) is the huge star of a popular kids' television show. He gets the ax, however, for accepting payoffs from indulgent parents who are willing to part with big bucks if it insures that their little darlings will get front row seats in Rainbow Ralph's studio audience. When his squeaky-clean replacement-Smoochy (Edward Norton)¾ becomes a phenomenon, the embittered ex-small screen icon seeks revenge.

Story Line: "Friends come in all sizes" chirps Robin Williams' Rainbow Ralph in the opening sequence of this hilarious dark comedy that lampoons children's television and gives all those closeted Barney haters something to cheer about.

The brightness and colors seem to explode onscreen, with a glittery Williams surrounded by cheerful singing kids-the vibrant hues going head-to-head with all this pint-size happiness. Think Fred Rogers in a 50's Technicolor MGM musical. This is one upbeat show that takes its "rainbow" moniker literally.

The over-the-top quality to the intro scenes of Death to Smoochy is a deliberate contrast to the dark, sinister moments that follow. Cut to a barely lit bar. A serious, ominous-looking Williams is in mid-transaction-accepting money from anxious parents. Within seconds, the couple reveal themselves as cops, Williams is busted and a quick montage of shots follow showing the rapid dismantling of the TV show's set. Rainbow Ralph is busted.

Enter KidNet President Jon Stewart who enrolls associate Catherine Keener to find a non-tarnished replacement. A tough broad with career ties to Network's Faye Dunaway, Keener is skeptical that such an animal exists until she stumbles upon Sheldon Mopes' "Smoochy" as he serenades patients at a methadone clinic in his fuscia rhino costume-whether they like it or not. An idealist with few rivals, Smoochy warbles such lyrics as "we'll get you guys off that smack." And if this whole scenario seems too goofy for your tastes, read no further because this offbeat movie asks audiences to just let it happen.

And it does…non-stop. It's a black comedy with a devilish glint in its eye in a style that freely borrows from the 50's film noir with its shadowy shots, femme fatale and venetian blinds. Hearty doses of slapstick silliness are added for good measure (Williams' brick wall encounter is already familiar to many from the TV ads).

Though the naïve Smoochy sees his overwhelming success as a chance to preach good things to the kids-from the 300 songs he has already written-the unemployed Rainbow Ralph is insane with jealousy, hate and the need for revenge. He goes over the edge when his ex-girlfriend Keener starts dating Smoochy and Ralph sabotages his

skyrocketing career by tricking the Smooch into appearing at a Nazi rally. Add Danny DeVito as a crooked agent, a threatening mob boss played with zest by Harvey Weinstein, a tough Irish mama who convinces Smoochy to hire a brain-addled ex-boxer and Death to Smoochy becomes a fast-paced, go-for-broke comedy.

Tell Me More About It: After a string of saccharine stints as the good guy- Patch Adams, Good Will Hunting, Bicentennial Man, Jakob the Liar, Flubber, What Dreams May Come-this nasty detour in Williams' filmography is a guilty pleasure indeed. This apparent typecast reshuffle will continue in One Hour Photo and Insomnia, 2002 releases that promise to flex Williams' acting muscles.

Death to Smoochy solidifies director DeVito's penchant for odd, dark comedy. Matilda (adapted from the unusual Roald Dahl story), The War of the Roses and Throw Momma From the Train tickled similar bizarre funny bones. Credit for Smoochy's script belongs to Adam Resnick, a veteran of "Late Night with David Letterman" and "The Larry Sanders' Show"-no strangers to irreverent humor.

Perhaps the best part of Death to Smoochy is seeing Edward Norton add another credit to his amazingly varied film career. His guileless take on Sheldon Mopes' Smoochy-the goody-two-shoes who really believes "You can't change the world, but you can make a dent"-is inspired and worth the price of admission.

But this crazy comedy will not win any awards and will most likely receive mixed reviews. You either love this one or hate it. It totally depends on how goofy you feel going in.

I thought this was a hoot. And any movie that puts the flamboyant Olympic skater Elvis Stojko in as a stunt double for Robin Williams and Edward Norton has my vote. (Yes, they ice skate in this one, too…)

Robin Williams: Bicentennial Man, Jakob the Liar, Patch Adams	Edward Norton: The Score, Keeping the Faith, Fight Club
Catherine Keener: Walking and Talking, Being John Malkovich	Jon Stewart: Big Daddy, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Pam Ferris: Matilda	Harvey Feinstein: Mulan, Mrs. Doubtfire
Michael Rispoli: Rounders, Snake Eyes, While You Were Sleeping	Danny Devito (as director): Matilda, Hoffa, War of the Roses, Throw Momma From the Train