Share

cover art for Death to Smoochy (2002)

Ruined Childhoods

Death to Smoochy (2002)

Ep. 88

What would it be like if children’s entertainers were all corrupt…except one? How long would it take for them to break? On this episode, Dan & Jon break down the 2002 dark-as-hell comedy, Death to Smoochy, and celebrate its absurdity, astonishingly funny performances, and the brilliance of Danny DeVito’s direction.


Next episode: Fargo (1996)

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 243. Outside Providence (1999)

    01:08:24
    When it comes to Rhode Island cinema, accessing the work of the Farrelly Brothers is a good start. This film may not be directed by Peter or Bobby, but was co-written by the duo based on Peter's novel. The movie may have its flaws, but they were likely implemented due to studio notes and a particularly evil executive.Next episode: The Big Chill (1983) • South CarolinaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Rhode IslandWatch this episode on YouTube or SpotifySubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com
  • 242. The Rum Diary (2011)

    01:15:43
    Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Who are we? JOHNNY DEPP??? On this episode, Jon and Dan are in Puerto Rico featuring a movie filmed and set on the Island of Enchantment, The Rum Diary.Next episode: Outside Providence (1999) • Rhode IslandSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods
  • 241. Witness (1985)

    01:24:30
    Before there was Dr. Richard Kimball, Henry Turner, or Dutch Van Den Broeck there was John Book. In this Peter Weir classic, Harrison Ford is a Philadelphia detective who is uncovering a murderous plot within his own precinct, but the only way to stay safe and expose the crooked cops is to hide out in Amish Country with the boy who witnessed a murder (Lucas Haas) and his hot mom (Kelly McGillis).Next episode: The Rum Diary (2011) • Puerto RicoSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as PennsylvaniaSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods
  • 240. The Goonies House

    01:03:02
    HEY YOU GUYS! Jon has a thorough chat with Behman Zakeri, owner of the Walsh's house from the Goonies! Listen to their chat about what it takes to own a piece of film history. ALSO, this BONUS episode is released on GOONIES DAY, which occurs every year on June 7, which was the original release date of The Goonies in 1985.Follow @GooniesHome on InstagramFollow Behman on TikTok • watch "Data" zipline!Next episode: Witness (1985) • PennsylvaniaSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods
  • 239. The Goonies (1985)

    01:29:24
    HEY YOU GUYS! It's finally time for Dan and Jon to talk about The Goonies, the Richard Donner classic and share how they would bring back this adventure classic in 2024.Next episode: Witness (1985) • PennsylvaniaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as OregonSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods
  • 238. Near Dark (1987)

    01:14:22
    Oklahoma cowboys may be a dime a dozen, but ones that are eternal and nocturnal? Katheryn Bigelow's Near Dark covers that territory with what may be the only vampire western. The film features an amazing cast (Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Jenette Goldstein) and score (Tangerine Dream), and Dan and Jon have some thoughts on how it could be properly brought back.Next episode: The Goonies (1985) • OregonSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as OklahomaSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods
  • 237. Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)

    54:56
    The town of Clyde, OH may be real, but this story that takes place there is too strange to be true. On this episode, Dan and Jon celebrate Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, the tale of a quirky teenage adoptee imagining a better life with the celebrity she believes is her biological mother. The cast features Winona Ryder and Jeff Daniels.Next episode: Near Dark (1987) • OklahomaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as OhioSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods
  • 236. Leprechaun (1993)

    01:10:30
    Hold onto your GOLD because we're in North Dakota talking about the 1993 cult horror classic, Leprechaun! This film defied the odds of being a throwaway release, but the impending star-power of Jennifer Aniston catapulted the film into the annals of film history. It also didn't hurt that it featured the Willow star, Warwick Davis.Next episode: Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990) • OhioSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as North DakotaSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods
  • 235. The Foot Fist Way (2006)

    49:09
    Hold onto your gis because we're in North Carolina talking about the 2006 cult classic, The Foot Fist Way! This film stars Danny McBride, Ben Best, Jody Hill, and Mary Jane Bostic and showed the world the yin to The Karate Kid's yang. Also, Dan and Jon consider new ways to bring back the movie's characters and extend its legacy.Next episode: Leprechaun (1993) • North DakotaSee what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as North CarolinaSubscribe to The WALT!Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods