Top 50 Movies: Number 50

Yes humans, it's that time once again. After the rousing smash success of last year's Top 50 Games countdown, I've decided that it's time once again to undertake a large countdown project for the entertainment of myself and our fives of tens of readers out there. And so, by the power of the alright guys, let the countdown begin.

Number 50: Death to Smoochy

Hated by critics and loved by Alright Guys, Death to Smoochy is a big, nuts train wreck of crazy, funny shit. This movie gives the world a rare glimpse into the seedy underbelly of chidren's television. The plot revolves around Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) and Sheldon Mopes aka Smoochy the Rhino (Edward Norton.) After Rainbow Randolph is fired for taking bribes, the network brings in Smoochy as his harmless, naive, good-natured replacement. He truly loves and cares for the children he's reaching out to, but he soon learns all about the business side of the industry. Eventually he becomes entangled in corrupt charities, drug-addicted former kiddie show stars, penile cookies, murder and the mob. He also has to worry about the crazy nutjob Rainbow Randolph who believes the show is rightfully his and wants Smoochy dead.

Nuts.

If this all sounds over the top, that's because it is. They gave Robin Williams an eccentric character with a grudge and turned him loose. The results are predictable, and he has most of the funny moments in the film (a short speech about keeping one's dignity is immediately followed by Randolph spilling coffee on himself and screaming "My balls! They're on FIRE!") Edward Norton again shows his versatility playing the overly naive cornball kids show host in the fluffy purple rhino suit, and he plays the straight guy to Williams' over the top psycho.

Edward Norton was also a nazi skinhead in American History X, children.

There's plenty of sarcasm, cursing and a bit of violence. This is not a movie about plot and character development, this is a movie about lowbrow laughs. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you've got an off-kilter sense of humor and you like dark comedy, it's definitely good for some laughs.