You'll have to excuse the bias that I clearly exhibit when watching 1977's 'The Glitterball' - a film about an alien, er, ball, that comes to Earth and meets some local British kids. Who needs E. T. eh? I watched it so much as a kid that I practically know the script word for word. I can't help but still feel that it's a charming slice of seventies British family entertainment, blending sci-fi with a dose of childhood adventure.
It's so family friendly all the way and offers an innocent, nostalgia-soaked trip back to an era when storytelling for younger audiences prioritized heart and imagination over massive action set-pieces and alien sky-beams destroying New York. The two young protagonists do their best to protect our spherical extraterrestrial from the usual suspects: bumbling crooks and skeptical adults.
It's a classic setup, but its simplicity works in the film's favour, allowing its quirky humor and likable characters to shine. The Glitterball itself is the star of the show - even though it's merely a glowing orb with an endearing personality that communicates through lights and an appetite for earthly delights-particularly human food.
The special effects, especially for the alien ball, hold up surprisingly well. While it's not on the level of 'Star Wars' (released the same year, believe it or not!), the practical effects used to depict the Glitterball's movement and interactions are inventive. Watching it devour biscuits and other snacks is both amusing and oddly mesmerizing, adding a playful charm to the film.
I know I'm biased, but I still think most people will find 'The Glitterball' is good, wholesome fun (and who can't help but root for a plucky sentient snooker ball against a bad guy called 'Filthy Potter?')
