(rated R, 105 mins.)
The idea of a black comedy starring over the top talent based in the land of kid’s TV shows, sounds like a great pitch. But while this movie will draw audiences by its names (Danny DeVito, Edward Norton, Robin Williams), their performances are almost embarrassing. Not to mention it can’t possibly be directed (but it is) by Danny DeVito, the same man who brought us “Throw Mamma From The Train” and “Hoffa.” Williams stars as Rainbow Randolph, the over-friendly host of a kids show who gets caught in a scandal (sound familiar PeeWee Herman?) His replacement is the squeaky-clean, lovable Barney-ish fuchsia rhino named Smoochy (Norton). Randolph soon learns that Smoochy is having an affair with his ex (Catherine Keener), a television exec. Now it’s time for revenge. We look for movies to take our kids to but this isn’t one of them. This film deals with the underbelly of Hollywood. Lawyers and Agents (Danny DeVito) and that would all be well and fine, but it’s not. It’s plain annoying. The camera’s angles gaze up at the actor’s nostrils in an attempt (I think?) to make us feel like small children but after awhile we just feel like groaning grown-ups hoping for a commercial break.
