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Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) the popular star of a children's TV show is fired over a
bribery scandal. Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton) is hired as a replacement because of his conviction and integrity. Sheldon "impersonates" the coral-colored rhinoceros Smoochy
that becomes an instant hit, especially among the children. As a result, the networks decide to make Sheldon executive producer of his own TV show. Rainbow Randolph believes
Smoochy to be devil-sent to destroy him and he vows revenge, especially upon learning that his old flame Nora (Catherine Keener) is now Smoochy's girlfriend. Because of his
success, Smoochy is pressured by the underworld characters to use his talent to promote their shady business, but Smoochy keeps his ideals intact. How long will Smoochy be
able to withstand the dangers posed by the mob? Rainbow attempts to destroy Smoochy by setting him up in a neo-Nazi rally. He fails but will he succeed the next time?
Said to be a comedy, the film hardly makes us laugh. It satirizes. As such, it focuses the spotlight on much
that is ugly in the world of children's television. Yet, the scenes involving children are fun-filled, brightly, even garishly colored and lively. The photography, as well as
the visual effects, is effective. The costumes are eye catching. The diverse scenes and their details are very well handled. But behind the pretty veneer we observe the greed,
the corruption, the jealousy, the power struggle and the manipulation of people. The contrast between the beautiful and the objectionable in children's shows is emphasized by
the subtle use of lighting. The ugliness is usually hatched in the shadows and darkness. The contrast extends to the characters. Sheldon ably portrays the idealistic, "clean",
wholesome children's show host. Rainbow does well as his exact foil with his coarseness, his foul tactics and language. The script has some inspirational aphorisms.
"You may not change the world, but you can, at least, make a dent." This favorite line of the
main character definitely strikes a note of hope. How many times we hear people cry out in frustration that such and such a system is rotten but there is nothing we can do to
change it. In the movie, Sheldon knows it is difficult to change the well-entrenched practices and the set thinking of people in TV networks, but he remains steadfast in his
conviction that TV children's shows should not be used to brainwash children to buy products but, instead, must be designed to deliver a message and develop values. In spite
of the risks to his life, he holds on to his ideals.
(Date reviewed: May 24, 2002)
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