I’m not a parent holding a lot of nostalgia for the trippy, unfocused one-worldisms of 1970s staples like “Free to Be, You and Me,” or “H.R. Pufnstuf.” Most of those TV knickknacks now seem irritating and, well, stupid, unless you happen to be sampling the same mind-altering substances as were some of the creators.
But some of these efforts did reflect a creative explosion of color, design and imagination. “The Point!” is one bright fable that’s worth showing your younger children on DVD.
“The Point!” was the brainchild of late songwriter and showman Harry Nilsson. Try to ignore the fact that Nilsson apparently admitted he was on LSD when he thought of the main plot device and moral for his concept movie.
“The Point!” follows the quest of a colorful little blob named Oblio, who lives in a warm but minimally drawn world where all living creatures have a pointy head. Oblio doesn’t, of course, and the king’s evil adviser gets Oblio banished from the land because his difference is dangerous.
Oblio is good-natured and adventurous instead of bitter, and takes off to find all sorts of fascinating creatures, a la “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” or, even more to the point, “The Phantom Tollbooth.” He finds that many adults are obtuse and silly, while gaining confidence that his difference is not a handicap. The pontificating is softened by the appealingly childish animation and some catchy tunes like “Me and My Arrow.”
This little gem is now 38 years old. Thankfully, it seems much younger.
“The Point!”
Rated: Not rated for screen but comparable to a G-level movie for all ages
Best suited for: Kids about 5 to 8 years old; parents nostalgic for the 1970s
