Home ★

    There is something rather nostalgic about the picture "Home," a children's animated film that attempts to persuade us into thinking that it is ok to be different and that "nobody's perfect." These wistful feelings come into existence simply because it reminds us all of how inattentive Dreamworks has become with its children's productions as of late (outside of the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise), and leaves one longing for the days of when "Shrek" first came to fruition, among other notable titles.

    In what is to surely become one of the most idiotic storylines of the year: The Boov, a small alien race who can change color according to their emotional state and who tend to run away when trouble arises, invade Earth in an aim to--what else?--escape the Gorg, another extraterrestrial race whose intent is to destroy the Boov. Humanity is consequently relocated to Australia (as a result of this inexplicable invasion in which our attackers disable our source of gravity) and the Boov swoop in and take refuge in our furnished city and suburban homes.  

    Enter Oh (Jim Parsons), a problematic and awkward member of this unsightly group of beings, who tends to scare off any intimate relationships that come his way. After becoming ostracized from the community, Oh fatefully runs into Tip (Rihanna), a young teenage girl who avoided the human "relocation," and whose only goal is to become reunited with her mother. The two set off on a quest to track down Tip's only remaining family and to rectify Oh's mishap, which has not only made him a fugitive, but has placed the Earth's well-being in immediate danger.

    Beyond the fact that the plot relies too heavily on its cheap physical humor (a favorite among young children), the conflict is overly forced, and to be quite honest, could not be more brainless. For, Oh is condemned among his own people for good reason. In a moment of intense excitement for the Boov's new dwellings, Oh mistakenly sends a party invitation to every being in the universe, including the Gorg, the before mentioned sworn enemy of the Boov. Now, if one ignores the fact that the Gorg are somehow on the Boov's e-mail list, as thoughtless as that may seem, it becomes obvious that Oh deserves harsh punishment. In fact, I believe treason, even if performed in error, becomes punishable by up to five years in prison here in the United States.
   
    "Home," in its most primitive design, attempts to define success by giving audiences a miscalculated story, an unattractive lead character, and a large dosage of music composed by Rihanna, herself, in a blatant exhibition of self-promotion. Nobody would have claimed E.T. to be a friendly looking character among first examination, however, he ultimately won us over with his warmth and subtle affections. Oh not only consists of none of these desirable qualities, but he certainly takes on the persona of Parsons, who thrives in an air of annoyance. If Dreamworks has any shot of reclaiming its dignity and becoming comparable to Disney once more, then productions of this magnitude must be avoided at all costs.