DEATH TO SMOOCHY (DVD Review) - 16/4/06

Saw this film a while ago and picked it up cheap on DVD recently. It's a real pity this film slipped under most people's radar because it's a great comedy/drama - No strike that - It's more like black comedy/drama as it is played totally straight by some fine actors. Ed Norton is the title character and it's surprising to see him in a film like this? Robin Williams plays his arch rival a foul-mouthed kid's show entertainer supported by Catherine Keener and Danny DeVito (also the director) with a good choice role for brit actress Pam Ferris and a nice cameo from Harvey Fierstein. Be aware that it is NOT a children's film - Being Rated R in the US and 15 in the UK. Not only has it some dry sarcastic wit and pathos it has an easy target in awful kid's shows and their presenters and the exploitative nature of such. This film is a rare treat with a wide range of plot and story matter - for instance where else would you get to see ice-skating dwarves dressed as nazi rhinos?

Available on Region 1 (USA) DVD with the (cover above) listed bonus features: French (Dolby Digital 5.1.) & French/Spanish Subtitles, Interactive Ice Show, Magic Cookie Bag Gallery, Hidden Scene & Web Enabled Interactive Smoochy Games. The Region 2 (UK) DVD has the same Special Features as the Region 1 (USA) minus the listed bonus features. The material on the Region 2 is as follows: Trailer, Cast & Crew Interviews, Director's Commentary, Behind The Scene's Making Of, Additional Scenes & Songs, Bloopers & Out-takes. Runtime: 105 Mins. Aspect Ratio (16:9) Anamorphic. Colour PAL. English Dolby Digital 5.1.FILMFOUR 2002 /CCD30156 /ISBN # 5014138301569>