#film: death to smoochy

[aarontveit]

DEATH TO SMOOCHY | 2002 +dir. Danny DeVito.

[d1gnan]

finished the first of a movie recommendation zine series im starting 🎥

[driveintheaterofthemind]

Arthouse Muppets

Death To Smoochy featuring Kermit, Piggy And Fozzie

Art by Bruce McCorkindale

[norttinson]

fuck it. edward norton fan cam

[zisgarbage]

Hi so I have this thing where I obsessively watch movies from an actor I like and want to share my favorite Ed Norton movies he has SO MUCH range and I thought these some of his best, and just great movies in general

[forkitsake]

What...doesn't everyone curate a selection of films for a movie date?

[jbk405]

I just finished rewatching Death to Smoochy for the first time in ten years or so, and that movie is a trip.  I always liked it, but truthfully I can’t say I’m surprised that it was a public bomb given its wild tonal swings and occasional bizarre imagery.  It seems almost perfectly engineered for “cult classic” status.

As I was preparing to watch it I stumbled on the video of Henry Rollins telling the story of his audition for Spinner Dunn (He didn’t get the part).  Imagining what the movie would have been like if Rollins had actually been cast is a mind-explosion all on its own.

It definitely hit a lot differently now to see Rainbow Randolph’s breakdown and eventual suicide attempt, given Robin Williams’ real-life mental health struggles and death.  I won’t say it “ruins” the movie, but it makes it harder to laugh at instead of sympathize with.

[someinstant]

Suddenly overcome with deep nostalgia and longing for video rental places. Not Blockbusters or anything-- my favorite was an independent joint in the town where I went to college. Vision Video. It was in a building that had formerly been a laundromat and a dry cleaners, so there were multiple rooms with mismatched tile, and they almost assuredly didn't have whatever the big teen movie was-- but if you were into, like, South Korean horror or the entire back catalog of Nic Cage or German expressionist silent films or Ernest Goes to Camp or carefully labeled erotica (porn. it was just porn, but this was the American South many decades ago)-- if you were the sort of person who fell hard for a particular genre or director or actor, it was heaven.

Just wandering the store at eleven at night on a Thursday with your roommate, stacks of movies in your arms, Of Montreal's latest EP coming over the speakers, the big weird quiet guy at the counter watching a very violent anime on the TV, occasionally suggesting you watch a Danish action flick, and handing you a flyer for the local student film festival when you checked out an hour or two later.

And then you'd go home to your crappy off-campus apartment after stopping at a convenience store for snacks, flop down on the futon, and start marathoning whatever your current obsession was (my roomie: anything Edward Norton had ever done. me: basically all of Mexican Nuevo Cine), and wake up when the afternoon sun slapped you in the face, the DVD menu in playing in an endless loop in the background.

[moviefunforeveryone]

98: Death to Smoochy (2002): “Corrupt politicians make the other ten percent look bad.” so said noted war criminal and current resident of the fiery pits of Hell Henry Kissinger, and what this film presupposes is, yes, but the politicians are actually Kids entertainers. And Society. Imagine if you will that the lovable and extremely wholesome entertainers of our VERY children, were actually perverts drug addicts, crooks and of course, real jerks. Now imagine a movie where One Brave Man stands up against this rot and gives our children, and maybe ourselves exactly what it is we need. Well that is in the broadest strokes Death To Smoochy, and yet somehow it still fuckin rocks. Robin Williams is Rainbow (fuckin') Randolph beloved TV entertainer who among a myriad of flaws has been taking cash to put kids in prime locations on his extremely popular children's show. Unfortunately for Rainbow it is a pre 9/11 world (altho released in 2002 it is a very pre September 11 vibes time) and so the government actually had time to thwart his corruption. He is arrested for many crimes and most importantly loses his show. John Stewart the man in charge of Kidsnet shows (Marion Frank Stokes) has a problem, he needs his new host to be squeaky fucking clean, but when going through a list of potential replacements all he finds is reprobates, except for 'Absolute Sap' Edward Norton (Sheldon Mopes) the creator of none other than Smoochy The Rhino seen weekly at the Coney Island Methadone Clinic. Catherine Keener (Nora Wells) exec producer/child's tv host love maker is hard on Mopes until the time comes when she see that this Sap is strong as an Oak tree. No I don't really know what that means. Featuring winning turns by Harvey Firestein and Danny Devito (also the director) and one of the funniest line reads I have ever heard 'When Spinner Dunn punch drunk sweetie pie says “Don't go anywhere, Smoochy. I'll be right back after I take a dump ”' this movie is good. I mean obviously I have it on my list. DeVito as director is always interesting because the man himself is very interesting, when he's doing comedy I think he can sometimes go too hard for the 'dark' side of things, not in a shitty edge lord kind of way but from a pretty fair and correct POV. He is rare in mainstream celebrities in that he seems to have a good idea of what the problems are and more important the system that causes them (Capitalism BABY) but sometimes he just goes a step too far when describing it in comedy. I think that is where this film is not as tenable to a wide audience, ESPECIALLY back in 2002, even with the pall of 9/11 the world was still very gung ho about Crapitalism (patent pending) and any real critiques of it, especially ones that can verge on sour were really unloved by most people. A thing I will probably mention again and again is that I worked for almost 10 years in multiple video stores, and my experiences with this film were pretty singular. Women despised it back in the early to mid 00's. And I don't mean that in some shit head anti woman way, just that in my experiences women really hated this thing. I will update to say that in present day I have met plenty of women who enjoy the film and so I assume it is a cultural change not a gender change. OK COOL In closing I love this movie Williams is electric, Keener is really underrated and conveys anger and vulnerability expertly, DeVito is a good director heavy handedness or not, and he has some really lovely shots especially dealing with the taping of the Smoochy show. And look you're gonna find gentle reader that I am always gonna be into art that tells me not loving commercialism is good and if you don't that's a you problem.

[noodl3senpai]

2. 10. 11. 19. 😁

2. A movie you think is underrated:

Definitely Death to Smoochy, it's a very dark comedy about children's entertainers. I feel like nowadays more people know about it

10. A foreign-language movie you like:

Throw Down by Johnnie To. It's such a beautiful film i love it so much. Also Funky Forest.

11. A movie you wish you could un-watch:

I don't think i would un-watch any movie i've seen. Maybe Pacific Rim Uprising.

19. A movie you look forward to watching (could be an upcoming release or not)

Macon Blair's Toxic Avenger

[willowkatt]

i'm willow or will !!

any pronouns will do, he/they are preferred but she/it are okay

neurodivergent | OCD and autism

casual acronyms are very hard for me to understand (lmk, hbu, ijbol), same with song abriviations (such as you know what they do.. turns into ykwtdtgluip, i cannot read that!!)

don't really need many tone tags, but /s (sarcasm) , /j (joke) and /lh (lighthearted) are helpful!!

my main interests, aka you'll see me reblog/post about (no particular order) (apologies if you see a stray reblog of a different topic lol)

- my chemical romance (bullets ♡, frank iero ♡, revenge era ♡, danger days era ♡)

- miraculous ladybug (season 3 ♡, gabriel agreste ♡, lila rossi ♡, felix fathom ♡)

- genshin impact (casual AR57, diluc ♡, rosaria ♡, dottore ♡)

- frank iero ANYTHING (leathermouth ♡, death spells ♡, sector 12 ♡, pencey prep ♡)

- ever after high (kitty cheshire ♡, madeline hatter ♡, cerise hood ♡, courtly jester ♡)

- jerma985 (what do i even say about this psychopath)

- hermitcraft (i mostly watch mumbo's pov, started watching since around middle of season 8!!)

- happy tree friends (flaky ♡, disco bear ♡, nutty ♡, petunia ♡, smoochies ♡)

other things about me:

i loooove my chem.. very big interest, my special interests are around mcr, mlb and htf at the moment!!

i do listen to others like mindless self indulgence (don't support though, i pirate their asses), glass animals (BIG FAN!!), arctic monkeys, set it off, måneskin, nirvana, fall out boy, schoolyard heroes, weezer - but mcr and the member's solo projects take up a MASSIVE majority of my music knowledge and playlists, duh!

i dont really watch much shows or movies other than.. you guessed it, miraculous ladybug and occasionally ever after high :P not a big fan of mlb new york and eah epic winter, i loooove mlb shadybug and eah way too wonderland though (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧

ugh and movies i love are legit just terrifier and i kissed a vampire.. art the clown ♡ and jeez did i kissed a vampire have a chokehold on me, one of those so bad it's goods.. i really only watch kids movies or slasher films lol. love me some mlp rainbow rocks by the way, the dazzlings for life!

be free to message me about any of my interests, i'd love to talk about mcr lore, mlb theories, genshin characters.. whatever else i listed above with you guys!!

(ends intro post with mikey fucking dying)

[driveintheaterofthemind]

Arthouse Muppets (With Bonus Art Process)

Death To Smoochy featuring Kermit, Piggy And Fozzie

Art by Bruce McCorkindale

[oldmanpuppyplay]

Movie Buff 💪 Q’s: 2, 37, & 39!

delay on getting these answered but here we go :D

2. What movie(s) could you watch over and over and not get tired of?

Hitman (2007), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), My Cousin Vinny (1992), Death to Smoochy (2002), Oscar (1991), 1408 (2007), some like it hot (1959) - if i go too long between watches i get antsy

37. Movie quote that will always make you laugh?

proof comedy is subjective its from Cool Hand Luke and all you have to say to me is "Shakin' it up here, boss!" to send me into fits if the timing is right.

39. Favorite cult film?

Ghost World. Its kinda a sleepy pick compared to a lot of my favorites, its full of that 2001 irony, but it came to me at a time in my life when I needed it I think. I was 17 so also thinking about my place in the world after graduation and much like Thora Birch's character I too would try real hard to fuck Steve Buscemi if given a chance.

[supermariomamafucker]

have you ever seen the film death to smoochie?

no i have not watched anything from the twisted mind of danny devito sorry

[andersonvision]

Death to Smoochy is a biting satire on the world of children's television, was met with polarized reactions upon its release. Its blend of black humor, eccentric characters, and scathing social commentary made it a unique entry in the early 2000s cinema landscape, but it was not an immediate hit with critics or audiences. Over time, however, Death to Smoochy has gained a cult following, appreciated for its bold satire and the performances of its leads. With the recent Blu-ray release of Death to Smoochy, fans of the film have the chance to revisit it in high definition, with improved picture and sound quality. Danny DeVito really loved this movieRobin Williams cuts looseBarney was really falling out of the Zeitgeist in 2002Kids watch anythingAdults watch anythingWhat's on this Death to Smoochy Blu-ray from Shout Factory?Death to Smoochy is now available on Blu-ray from Shout Factory Danny DeVito really loved this movie Randolph Smiley (Robin Williams), a once-beloved children's television host falls from grace after being caught in a bribery scandal. His replacement is Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton), a naive and idealistic performer who takes on the persona of "Smoochy the Rhino," a character designed to be the epitome of wholesome, educational entertainment. As Smoochy becomes a sensation, Randolph becomes increasingly unhinged, plotting to destroy Smoochy and reclaim his spot in the limelight. The film follows Sheldon as he navigates the cutthroat world of children's television, dealing with corrupt executives, mobsters, and his own moral dilemmas. What unfolds is a darkly comedic tale of revenge, hypocrisy, and the price of integrity in a world driven by profit and fame. Robin Williams cuts loose At its core, Death to Smoochy is a satire of the entertainment industry, particularly the world of children’s television. The film explores themes of corruption, greed, and the loss of innocence, using the figure of Smoochy as a symbol of genuine goodness in a world that is anything but. The film’s humor is often dark and biting, taking aim at the hypocrisy and moral compromises that underpin the entertainment industry. The character of Randolph Smiley represents the fallen hero, a man who once embodied the values of children’s programming but has since been consumed by bitterness and a desire for revenge. His descent into madness is both tragic and comedic, as he becomes increasingly unhinged in his efforts to destroy Smoochy. Sheldon Mopes, on the other hand, is the idealistic newcomer who refuses to compromise his principles, even as he is surrounded by corruption and deceit. The film’s tension arises from the clash between Sheldon’s unwavering morality and the cynical reality of the industry he has entered. The film also touches on the idea of authenticity versus artifice. Smoochy the Rhino is portrayed as a character who genuinely cares about his audience and wants to make a positive impact, in stark contrast to the other characters who are motivated by greed and self-interest. This theme is reinforced by the film's visual style, which juxtaposes the bright, artificial world of Smoochy with the darker, grittier reality that lies beneath. Barney was really falling out of the Zeitgeist in 2002 Spare me a moment to talk about Barney. While bigger in the 90s, the early 00s saw this final big push to get Barney out of kids entertainment. Now, children are want to love whatever they love. But, something about public television being filled with costumed adults singing about love and friendliness really did a number on Post 9/11 America. It would be a few more years before Barney fell out of favor with the kids. But, it fostered the right environment for Death to Smoochy to exist. Kids watch anything For the young ones that still read things online, Barney was the source of a lot of parental rage back in the early 00s. If you don't have the time to head over to YouTube, here's the best way to explain it. Imagine if Elmo was larger and talked with the conversational depth of an amusement park mascot getting their brain roasted in the hot Florida sun. But, the show gave Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato their starts. So, thanks...I guess? While Death to Smoochy starts from the premise, it realizes that holds attention for all of 25 minutes and they expand into the motivations of Norton and Williams' characters. There's a lot to be said about the artistic process here and how individual personalities inform their characters. But, it's also a movie about a giant purple rhino getting killed. Adults watch anything Death to Smoochy was met with mixed reviews upon its release in 2002. Critics were divided on the film’s dark humor and satirical approach, with some praising its boldness and others finding it too offbeat for mainstream audiences. The film’s satirical take on the entertainment industry and children’s television was seen by some as too cynical, while others appreciated its willingness to push boundaries. Despite the mixed critical reception, Death to Smoochy found a niche audience that appreciated its unique blend of dark comedy and social commentary. Over time, the film has gained a cult following, with fans drawn to its irreverent humor, memorable performances, and the subversive take on a genre typically associated with light-hearted fare. What's on this Death to Smoochy Blu-ray from Shout Factory? Shout Factory as part of its Shout Select does right by Death to Smoochy. Long relegated to its ancient DVD release from Warner Brothers, Shout gives it a 20 year overdue glow-up on Blu-ray. There is a new 2024 4K restoration that makes the film look better than ever. Now, I saw it in theaters back in 2002, but I can't tell you any exact memories. Well, other than it opened up against the 20th anniversary re-release of E.T. with those CG walkie talkies. I also want to say Deuces Wild was playing in the theater next door, but not quite sure. You get a ton of new interviews, featurettes, bloopers, and deleted scenes. But those latter parts felt ported over. A lot of the special features feel ported over. However, the 1080p transfer and DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track feel true to their time. Death to Smoochy is a darkly comedic gem that continues to resonate with audiences more than two decades after its release. Its satirical exploration of the entertainment industry, combined with standout performances from Robin Williams and Edward Norton, make it a film worth revisiting. The recent Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience with improved picture and sound quality, while the included special features provide valuable insights into the film's production and legacy. Death to Smoochy is now available on Blu-ray from Shout Factory

[nukethefridgenews]

Death to Smoochy Shout! Select Blu-ray Review: Viva La Smoochy

Death to Smoochy was a film not a film I loved when it came out, although the press junket was great. It was one of many private Robin Williams shows I was fortunate enough to attend, and a rare time Edward Norton wanted to talk about a film. I had not revisited it since then, so if it is beloved by at least enough people for Shout! Studios to market a new Blu-ray, I’d give it another shot. The…