Home

Directed by Tim Johnson
Starring Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin and Jennifer Lopez
In UK Cinemas March 20th, 2015

by Amanda Farley

DreamWorks’ latest animation is ready to invade cinemas across the country.  But will it be able to conquer our hearts and imaginations?

Oh, a loveable purple Boov, is new to planet Earth and while he is very happy with his new home, his inability to fit in with the Boov way of life is a lot more obvious now that he has neighbors. As the Boov invasion of the planet gets underway; it’s not long until misfit Oh is on the run, hiding from Captain Smek and the rest of the Boov population. Luckily for him, running away is what the Boov are best at. When he happens upon Tip, a resourceful young girl searching for her mum, this unlikely pair team up. As they overcome their mistrust of each other, they find themselves caught in an epic trip around the world where they encounter a series of comic events and characters. As Oh begins to face his greatest fears, he gradually learns the true meaning of what it is to have a home and a family.

Based on Adam Rex children’s book The True Meaning of Smekday, Home is a silly and entertaining story. Voiced by Jim Parsons from The Big Bang Theory, Oh comes across as neurotic, vulnerable and somehow completely disarming. Parsons brings a warmth to the character that has both children and parents laughing along with his odd point of view. Supported by Steve Martin (Captain Smeg) and Rihanna (Tip), DreamWorks manages to amass an impressive cast list. Martin’s Captain Smeg is a beautiful mass of ego, cowardice and malice. His wonderful portrayal of the horrible inept Captain Smeg is sure to prove a hit with the kids. Rihanna meanwhile creates a strong and refreshingly self-reliant female lead that is great to see on screen.

What is most lacking here though is a sense of risk. Everything feels safe. The stakes are never quite high enough, the villains are not really dangerous enough and the story lacks the danger and heart needed to really make it work. While there are lots of visual jokes and some great comic moments that have kids laughing with delight, the overall experience isn’t anything to shout about.

From a visual point of view, the animation is underwhelming. Compared with some of DreamWorks other offerings Home falls flat. While the use of a bright color palate and sort edge animation is visually inviting, the lack of grit makes the world feel two dimensional and flat. It fails to come to life on screen, which is a shame as it’s a fun universe to explore and a little more risk might have led to something better. While young kids should enjoy this, parents may find it harder to pass the 94 minutes in anything other than mild amusement.

The only thing that’s certain is that you can expect an invasion of strange purple Boov dolls very soon.