DREAM Works Animation’s 3D computer-animated buddy comedy, Home, is one that will both tug at the heartstrings and tummy muscles.
The Boov alien species have arrived on planet Earth. Their plan is to take over the planet, relocate the humans and make Earth their new home. Shortly after landing, they send the humans, with a complimentary frozen bovine secretion, to their new settlement area.
Enter Oh (Parsons), named so by all his “friends”, based on their reaction when they see or hear him around (and that’s not the enthusiastic oh!, more like the dreaded, I-would-rather-walk-on-nails-than-talk-to-you oh!).
Oh is really an over-enthusiastic, bungling, outcast who thinks he’s quite popular, but actually has no friends. Landing on his new home planet (Earth), he enthusiastically hopes this will be his “best move ever”… but it actually turns out to be the saddest as no matter what he does, no one really wants to be his friend.
Of course, when he accidentally sends out an e-mail invite to his “warming of house” party – to the entire galaxy, including the Boov’s arch enemies, the Gorg –things only get worse for him.
Now turned Boov state enemy No 1, he’s on the run on a strange planet.
But an accidental meeting with a human stranger sees him thrust into what could turn out to be his first friendship with Tip (Rihanna)… or is he going to mess this one up too? Can they survive each other and the challenges ahead?
Embodying themes around friendship, family, loyalty, loneliness and acceptance, Home presents a great story of life and transition. It gets these messages across through an adventurous tale and loads of funny moments.
Like when Oh tries out the blue mint in the toilet (the air freshener block) and when he tries to wash that bad taste away with the lemonade… from the toilet bowl!
Rihanna does a good job of voicing her character, but the star of the show is without doubt Jim Parsons who really taps into the heart of his character and – even in Oh’s alienness – makes him so human in his confusion, fear, and eventually compassion.
An enjoyable film!
If you liked… Monsters vs Aliens, Planet 51 or Wall-E you will like this one.