Dark might not be the right word, or a strong enough word to describe "Death to Smoochy." With its near-constant stream of profanity, over-the-top violence and none-too-subtle jabs at children's entertainment, this hit-and-miss comedy won't suit everyone's taste.

But the movie has just enough clever moments — including a hysterically funny ice-show climax and some amusing musical numbers (especially the one about step-parents) — to make up for some of its more leaden and forced humor.

And there is a certain amount of malicious glee to be had from the sight of someone in purple animal costume getting the stuffing kicked out of him — assuming you're an adult and not a child.

The Smoochy of the title is actually Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton), a gentle, new-age entertainer who gets his lucky break in television. That's because when popular children's-show host "Rainbow" Randolph Smiley (Robin Williams) is caught taking bribes and committing other improprieties, he's unceremoniously fired by the network. So the network officials begin looking for the most innocuous, squeaky-clean person they can find to build a show around. And while Smoochy's rather treacly brand of entertainment quickly makes him a star, it also leads to confrontations with the show's tough-talking producer (Catherine Keener), who has her own vision of what the program should be about.

Worse, his sudden fame has made Mopes the target of corrupt charitable foundations and gangsters who are wanting a piece of the action — as well as Randolph, who's become dangerously unhinged.

Adam Resnick's frequently funny script attempts to indict mass-marketing, network television and other deserving targets. But together with Danny DeVito's too-busy direction, the film is often too ambitious for its own good.

Fortunately, the film moves at a rapid pace and Williams' performance is just manic enough — Norton's is even better, showing a real flair for comedy and music). Among the supporting players, Keener's good, and DeVito has saved some of the best lines for himself as Sheldon's cliche-spouting agent and eventual nemesis. But Jon Stewart has little more to do than parade around in a bad haircut.

"Death to Smoochy" is rated R for frequent use of strong sexual profanity, violence (beatings and shootings, mostly done for laughs), crude sexual humor and use of vulgar gestures and slang terms, a brief scene of torture and a brief sex scene. Running time: 101 minutes.

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