In the ever-increasing stream of drama actors turning to comedy, Edward Norton has again made another attempt in this genre. Comedy is no longer considered lesser and vulgar by the acting elite, but it doesn’t mean that it has become any easier a craft. If Norton would decide not to do comedy anymore as of now, we would not be deprived of a great comedian. He just doesn’t cut it as a lead in a comedy. Does this mean that this is a bad movie? No, but it’s no screamer either.

The story tells about the star of a children’s show, Rainbow Randolph (nicely played by Robin Williams), who gets booted for being on the take. The over-idealistic Sheldon Mopes (Norton) gets hired in his place to do his act as Smoochy the Rhino. Next to the cut-throat business of network broadcasting he also has to deal with his bitchy colleague Nora (Catherine Keener) and his shark-like agent Burke Bennett (Danny DeVito). Throughout the story he’s also being chased by the now vengeful Randolph, who sees his Nemesis in Smoochy.

This movie was directed by Danny DeVito and it’s very clear that the little man had a tight grip on his cast. Although the movie has a nice overall feel to it and a cast that was obviously enjoying itself, it’s actually never truly funny. Robin Williams is again enjoying a role where he gets to play the mean guy. His character was a bit reminiscent of the briljant Krusty the Clown (for you who know the Simpsons): a revered children’s idol with a corrupted personality. Keener basically copied the character she played in Being John Malkovich and DeVito played -for the umpteenth time- a vicious little crook. The best role was by Michael Rispoli who played the hilarious Spinner Dunn: a half-witted boxer who received a couple of punches too many.

The message the movie is delivering is commendable but for a straight-out comedy there are just too few laughs; neither the plot nor the characters rise above its ‘smiley-feel’. Williams is visibly hindered by the tight regime DeVito is imposing on him and Norton and his lines are just not funny. The bloopers in the special features section of the DVD are funnier than the movie itself, which says enough in my opinion.

The general look of the movie however is really great, especially the last outtro-scene with Williams and Norton ice-skating. With its great music and fantastic production design this is real eye-candy. The DVD looks equally great, has a very cool design and some nice features.