Film Review: ‘Home’ Continues Trend of So-So Animated Films

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CHICAGO – What was once an “event” – even the the most medium level animated film was a rare movie occasion – has now become commonplace in the film market. Once that tipping point was reached, suddenly the event became just another weekend, with just another film like “Home.”

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 2.5/5.0
Rating: 2.5/5.0

To be fair, “Home” is aimed toward the younger set, who likes bathroom jokes and gags using nacho cheese (in 3D!), but on the adult level, these films have become a bit cynical, more marketing vehicles than notable works. Like last year’s “The Nut Job” and “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return,” the formula seems to be get some familiar stars to do voice work, create a extreme concept or easy-to-follow story, and market, market, market to the kiddies. Who suffers for these economic model sins? The parents paying the 3D premium – the price level of which is up to a decent seat on Broadway in the 1980s – and then those same parents have to endure the 90 minutes of splashy colors and cheap jokes without narcotics (kidding). “Home” follows the formula to perfection.

An optimistic yet inept alien race called the Boov invade earth to find a new home, and hide from their mortal enemy – the Gorg – and are led in this endeavor by Captain Smek (voice of Steve Martin), their goofy leader. The humans on earth are being relocated, but a resourceful 13 year girl named Gratuity (Rihanna, nicknamed “Tip”) manages to avoid capture, but is separated from her single mother Lucy (Jennifer Lopez).

Through a series of odd coincidences, Tip runs into a Boov named Oh (Jim Parsons), who is on the run because he has inadvertently informed the Gorg as to the Earth location where the Boov are hiding. So faster than you can say mismatched wacky pair, Tip and Oh are on the road to find Momma and save the world.

”Home” opens everywhere on March 27th in 3D and regular screenings. See local listings for 3D theaters and show times. Featuring the voices of Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Brian Stepanek. Screenplay adapted by Tom J. Astie and Matt Ember. Directed by Tim Johnson. Rated “PG

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of ‘Home”

Jim Parsons, Rihanna
Oh (Voice of Jim Parsons) Meets Tip (Rihanna) in ‘Home’
Photo credit: 20th Century Fox

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of ‘Home”

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