Here's what we found in Home. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyHome (2015) is a computer-animated science fiction comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation, loosely based on Adam Rex's book "The True Meaning of Smekday." The story centers on Oh, a lovable but clumsy alien from the Boov species, who finds himself on the run after accidentally alerting his species' enemy, the Gorg, to their new hiding spot on Earth. He forms an unlikely friendship with Tip, a resourceful teenage human girl who was separated from her mother during the Boov's global relocation of humans. Together, they embark on a cross-country adventure to find Tip's mother and ultimately save Earth from the impending Gorg invasion. The film explores themes of belonging, acceptance, friendship, family, and understanding differences, offering a blend of humor and heartfelt moments. It is generally suitable for a family audience, though some mild action and peril may be intense for very young children.
The film does not explicitly portray LGBTQ+ characters or relationships. However, the character Oh's journey as an outcast and his struggle for acceptance has been allegorically interpreted by some audiences and by voice actor Jim Parsons as representing the queer experience. There is a brief mention of 'elements of gender' in dialogue.
The film contains mild, non-graphic animated violence, primarily in a slapstick or comedic context, but also includes scenes of chase, peril, and alien invasion. Injuries are mostly implied or quickly resolved without lasting harm, consistent with a PG rating.
While primarily a comedy, the film includes several suspenseful and emotionally intense scenes, particularly those involving alien invasion, main antagonists, and themes of separation from family. These elements might be frightening or upsetting for younger children.
The film features elements of defiance and rebellion against oppressive authority, particularly from the two main protagonists. While not directed at parental figures in a negative sense, the characters challenge established norms and leadership.
Romantic and sexual content is minimal and very mild, focusing on platonic friendship. There are no explicit sexual scenes or overt romantic storylines. One brief instance of suggestive material is noted.
The movie is largely free of profanity. The MPAA rating includes a descriptor of 'some rude humor,' which is generally understood to be mild and non-offensive, such as childish jokes, rather than strong language.
There is no content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or explicit supernatural elements. The fantastical elements are limited to alien technology and characteristics within a science fiction context.
The film contains no instances of alcohol, drug use, smoking, or any other form of substance use. Characters are seen consuming everyday items like ice cream and candy.
The film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes. Instead, it features strong moral and redemptive messages that align positively with many Christian values, such as self-sacrifice, friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, and the importance of family. One user review expressed discomfort with the existence of aliens contradicting their biblical interpretation.
Home (2015) presents several core themes that largely align with biblical values, emphasizing the importance of friendship, belonging, acceptance, and understanding differences. The film champions the idea that true 'home' is found in loving relationships rather than a physical place, resonating with Christian teachings about the spiritual family and love for one another. The narrative promotes positive moral values such as loyalty, truthfulness, and the courage to challenge misguided authority for the greater good. Characters, particularly Oh, are rewarded for acts of virtue like self-sacrifice, friendship, and compassion, moving away from his species' typical self-preservation at all costs towards altruism. Conversely, the Boov's initial selfishness, fear, and prejudiced view of humans are shown to be flawed and ultimately lead to problems, providing a clear moral lesson against such vices. The worldview presented in "Home" leans towards a transcendent view of meaning through relationships and intrinsic human (and alien) worth, rather than a purely materialistic or relativistic one. The film highlights themes of forgiveness and redemption, as Oh learns to apologize for his mistakes and Tip comes to forgive him, illustrating that it's okay to be imperfect and that healing involves accepting those imperfections. Oh's journey involves a significant personal transformation, moving from an outcast seeking acceptance to becoming a leader who values others above himself, demonstrating strong redemptive elements through his willingness to sacrifice for his friend and Earth. Family values are portrayed positively, with Tip's unwavering determination to reunite with her mother highlighting the deep bond and importance of family. While not explicitly Christian, the film’s messages of love, acceptance, and self-sacrifice can be seen as echoing biblical principles without any anti-Christian themes or overt religious commentary. The movie implicitly critiques prejudice and encourages embracing individuality and diversity, reflecting a call for humility and understanding others, which aligns with Christian calls for loving one's neighbor.
7+ with parental guidance for younger viewers. The film's PG rating is due to mild action and some rude humor, with themes of separation and mild peril that could be upsetting for children under seven. Its positive messages about friendship and acceptance are suitable for elementary-aged children and up.
The film's primary focus is on the development of a unique friendship between an alien and a human girl, emphasizing themes of acceptance, overcoming prejudice, and the true meaning of home beyond a physical location. While a spin-off television series, 'Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh,' was released in 2016, this analysis is strictly for the 2015 feature film.
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