DEATH TO SMOOCHY (2002)

Directed By: Danny DeVito
Written By: Adam Resnick
Cinematography By: Anastas M. Michos
Editor: Jon Poll

Cast: Edward Norton, Catherine Keener, Robin Williams, Danny DeVito, Vincent Schiavelli, Jon Stewart, Pam Ferris, Danny Woodburn, Michael Rispoli, Harvey Fierstein, Todd Graff


This is a film with a few great comedic scenes and good ideas that some how goes off the track. It’s a dark comedy that has Robin Williams in a full comedic force. This is around the time he really seemed to be trying to be edgy again instead of a dependable family movie star that he still dips his toe into once in awhile, but these days seems more interested in challenging himself. His Dark edgy comedic personae here suits him better or maybe it seems to after all those years playing it safe and clean. It’s shocking to see him here in this film, Yet he comes off making it all seem effortless.

Edward Norton doesn’t usually do this type of film. He is more dramatic an actor. I don’t know what happened if the script got watered down or what. He usually seems to know how to pick his projects and with him starring in this film, suggests something must have changed because while the film is dark. It is also broad and all over the place. You don’t really get to enjoy the film as much as question exactly what is going on as it begins to involve the Irish and Italian mob also Conspiracies. Where as the stuff that was more interesting to me was the humor of what went on behind the scenes if the children’s show. The politics, The messages, The stage Parents maybe if the film stayed more on track with that stuff instead of the more broad humor. The film would have been a dark comedic gem. The way it is now I would suggest it only if you are a big Robin Williams fan.

Features a shot of Catherine Keener whizzing a Frisbee at Edward Norton which is very similar to a shot in The War of the Roses which was also directed by Danny DeVito.

One of the challenges of the film is There isn’t really a lot of room to go with just satire of Children’s entertainment so there had to be a story that had more shades to it than just that. It’s not a film for the whole family definitely not for young kids though strangely it might appeal to teenagers. It’s unfortunate I usually enjoy Danny DeVito directed films.

I love the tone of the film as well as the vibrant colors of the film even the brilliant casting. Mr. DeVito has a broad quick style full of energy that usually works with the subject matter. Here it takes the film into a wrong direction not a total train wreck, but bad enough if you must watch it catch it on cable.

GRADE: D+