I'm a huge fan of Barry Caillier's 1989 film 'Daredreamer,' a fantastic, creative, little-known 80s comedy that puts most of its contemporaries to shame. Between that and the fact that this seems to be the only other credit of 'Daredreamer' star Tim Noah, how could I not check it out? No matter the level it operated on (even from the outside looking in, low-budget public access television), or the style (absolutely made for kids), it already had at least two points in its favor, not to mention an eye-catching name and a premise that's promising, if vague. As soon as we begin watching our assumptions are fully confirmed, and there's no denying that the whole affair is overflowing with ham-handed cheese. Yet provided one is able to abide the abject childish silliness, I think this is a lighthearted good time!
'In Search of the Wow Wow Wibble Woggle Wazzie Woodle Woo' very distinctly comes across as a collaborative effort between Caillier and Noah (and family) to sell a new family-friendly program to a network. That effort obviously (sadly) did not succeed, yet one can't but admire the tenacity of those involved, and the high-spirited energy that all brought to the production. Noah throws himself about the set with zest and cheer that outshines anything I've been able to muster for at least twenty years. That set is a fine credit to designer Rollin Thomas as it looks like a concoction that leapt to life fully formed from the work desk where it was sketched, and there's some splendid detail in the various odds and ends - not to mention the props, puppets, and simple practical effects that fill in the corners. The music is unexpectedly catchy; as Noah would illustrate again a few years later, he also has a swell singing voice. Meanwhile, it's not as if the star needed any help in vitalizing what is effectively a one man show, but even for as unsophisticated as the presentation is, Caillier's direction is solid in helping to sell the sprightly lark about a young fellow who lets his imagination run free after getting home from school.
The short feature is extra light and fluffy, but it wanted only to entertain, and I think it ably does just that as Caillier, Noah, and their co-writers threw in some welcome bits of cleverness amidst the general mirthful airs. Particularly as Noah deftly carries the weight with his highly animated performance, the flick even earns some laughs throughout its fifty-five minutes. None of this is to say that the obscure relic of the 80s is something one should be busting down doors to find. It's enjoyable on its own merits, and speaks well to the skill, intelligence, and wit and inventiveness of everyone who contributed; there's no mistaking that this was a labor of love. It's also a pointedly gentle, uninvolved, carefree frivolity that the picture represents, characterized so heavily by kitsch that anyone who has a hard time engaging with fare for young kids ('Eureka's castle,' 'Pee-Wee's Playhouse,' 'Blue's clues,' and so on) is advised just not to bother. This is no lightning bolt of genius. Nonetheless, 'In Search of the Wow Wow Wibble Woggle Wazzie Woodle Woo' is very capably made, and charming and delightful from beginning to end. If you can appreciate any other show that is designed with the most youthful of viewers in mind, then surely you'll find much to love here, too. Don't go out of your way for this title, but if you do have the chance to watch then it's a very pleasant, wholesome diversion that's well worth a mere hour of one's time, and I'm happy to give my hearty recommendation!
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