Film Review: ‘Home’
Director: Tim Johnson
Cast: Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Steve Martin
Age Restriction: PG
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Runtime: 94 minutes
Release date: 27 March 2015
When the first trailer for Home was released, one could easily assume that DreamWorks Animation’s next feature would be an instant hit. It featured laughable humour, a premise with good potential, colourful animation, an action adventure story and best of all, Jim Parsons’ amazing vocal performance.
But sadly, all the best bits of the film are only those featured in the trailer, thereby making Home an average DreamWorks production akin to the studio’s past mediocre fare such as Megamind and Monsters vs. Aliens. Thankfully though, Home is at least better than DreamWorks’ past atrocities Over The Hedge and Bee Movie.
Home tells the story of the Boov alien race who invade earth and make it their new home in an attempt to hide away from their mortal enemy. What about the humans you ask? Well, they are captured by the Boov and relocated to Australia.
We are introduced to Oh (Parsons) – a lonely Boov who wants company and companionship, but is rejected by his fellow Boovs. In an attempt to invite all the Boovs for a party, Oh sends out a digital invitation via a Boov-like cellphone device, but unintentionally sends it out to the entire galaxy as well.
Of course the Boovs are sent into a panicked frenzy because if Oh’s invitation reaches the entire galaxy, then their mortal enemy might discover their new location. Oh then becomes a fugitive and is on the run from his own people. He then meets a brave little human girl named Gratuity Tucci (Rihanna), but her friends call her Tip she explains.
Anyhow, Oh and Tip are whisked away on a crazy adventure as Tip is on a mission to locate her mom (Jennifer Lopez) whom she got separated from when the Boov invaded Earth.
Being with a human has its advantages as Oh comes to learn lifelong lessons which will inspire audiences and this is where Home hits home (pun intended). Home may lack some emotion here and there, but by the time we get to the climax, the film pulls out all stops and ends up becoming sentimental. Too bad the sentimentality lacked throughout the rest of the film as this could’ve easily made Home a great film.
Like most DreamWorks Animation films, Home is filled with jokes which are actually humorous to a certain extent but alas, it’s not up to the usual DreamWorks standard.
The film’s story wasn’t up to scratch either, with the filmmakers squandering its promising premise. Home does its best to avoid clichés but sadly couldn’t bring itself from doing so leading to a generic film at best.
Parsons is the highlight of the film as he practically owned the role of Oh, giving a brilliant yet memorable vocal performance as the energetic and lovable oaf. One can only see why Parsons has garnered the acclaim for his role as Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory, as the actor brings his talented comedic brand into Home – and his vocal performance in the film is a major, major highlight (dare I repeat). Parsons is such a talent and DreamWorks made a wise choice in casting him as Oh, as he suits the character quite perfectly.
Rihanna wasn’t too bad and actually does a good job in bringing the character of Tip to life, while Steve Martin is just an over-the-top annoyance.
The film’s animation is top-notch and colourful, boasting amazing visuals and action – especially the high-flying chase sequences.
The Verdict: Home sadly misses the mark and ends up being an average DreamWorks Animation film despite its awesome trailer. One thing about the film that can absolutely be applauded is Jim Parsons’ brilliant vocal performance as Oh.
