Death to Smoochy

Rainbow Randolph, once the splashy, brash face of a popular children's telecast, loses his job after a bribery scandal and is pushed aside for a new, pristine host. The replacement is Smoochy, a bright pink rhinoceros with a squeaky clean image and a doting fan base. Smoochy quickly captures viewers and earns the affection of a network executive who bets big on the rhino's goodwill. Randolph refuses to fade, plotting outrageous stunts and schemes to reclaim fame, even as his rival's wholesome charm wins over kids and parents alike. Behind the cookie cutter smiles lies a darkly comic world of ratings, manipulation, and show business greed. Media scrutiny widens into a carnival of gossip and smears.

Directed by Danny DeVito from a script by Adam Resnick, Death to Smoochy arrived in 2002 with 55 million budget. It casts Robin Williams as Rainbow Randolph and Edward Norton as Sheldon Mopes a.k.a. Smoochy, with Catherine Keener and DeVito.

Critics were divided on the tonal blend, praising the performances while questioning the satire's reach. The movie examines how fame distorts people, how networks chase ratings, and how innocence can be a shield and a weapon in entertainment. It toys with media manipulation and blurred line between satire and cruelty.

Despite its box office underperforming, the film gained a small cult following among fans of dark humor and anti establishment satire. Williams as Rainbow Randolph and Norton's earnest Smoochy linger in memory for their over the top and ironically sincere performances. Its specifics may shift with time but the critique stays.

Awards: The production did not land major nominations and has not gathered notable prizes. It remains discussed primarily for its performances and risky satire rather than industry accolades, a fact that fuels debate about how studios market provocative comedies. In some circles it is cited for daring tonal choices.