Home
Home (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.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe 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 character Oh is consistently presented as a misfit among the Boov, facing ostracization and social rejection when he tries to connect with his species, such as when he attempts to throw a party and no other Boov attend. This experience of not fitting in has been interpreted by some, including Jim Parsons (the voice of Oh), as an allegory for the queer experience and the challenges of being different. In one scene, Tip instructs Oh on 'elements of gender' when she dismisses him from the women's restroom, highlighting a distinction in gender roles.
Violence
MediumThe 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.
During the initial Boov invasion and human relocation, humans are shown being 'sucked up into large machines' and transported without graphic injury, though the situation causes distress. Throughout the film, characters are involved in physical altercations, such as being 'hit over the head with a scepter' or 'punched, smashed, slapped and threatened with an alien weapon,' with one character 'appearing to be knocked out' or 'crushed' non-graphically.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumWhile 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 initial alien invasion by the Boov, and later the threat of the more menacing Gorg, creates suspense and scenes of peril. The Gorg ship and its appearance are described as 'a bit creepy in a few scenes,' which could frighten young viewers. Tip experiences emotional distress, notably breaking down in tears after her failed attempts to find her mother and later sobbing when Oh appears to have been crushed by the Gorg's ship, presenting moments of emotional intensity and perceived loss.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe 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.
Tip, the human protagonist, actively evades the Boov's forced relocation of humans and consistently defies their authority in her quest to find her mother. Her actions represent a significant act of rebellion against the alien occupiers. Oh, as a misfit Boov, goes against his species' established protocol of constantly running away from problems, choosing instead to confront the Gorg and make independent decisions that challenge Captain Smek's traditional leadership to protect Earth and his newfound friend.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic 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.
At a dance party, a character is briefly seen with a bra draped across her head, presented innocently and likely to be perceived as a comedic prop rather than explicit by young children. Additionally, a male Boov is shown dressed in a 'girly outfit' at a party, and another Boov is seen shaking his posterior while dancing, contributing to the 'rude humor' aspect rather than explicit sexual content.
Profanity
LowThe 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.
The MPAA rating for 'Home' specifies 'some rude humor' as a content descriptor, indicating mild, non-offensive language like childish jokes. Reputable parental review sources, such as Raising Children Network, specifically indicate 'None of concern' regarding coarse language in the film.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere 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 alien Boov characters possess advanced technology and unique biological traits, such as changing colors based on emotion, but these are presented as scientific or natural abilities of their species, not as magic or occult practices. The movie's narrative revolves around science fiction concepts of alien invasion and interstellar travel, without incorporating any themes or imagery related to traditional witchcraft or the occult.
Substance Use
LowThe 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.
Parental review sites explicitly state that there is no drug or alcohol content present in 'Home.' The characters, particularly Oh, consume harmless items like ice cream and candy, emphasizing childhood innocence rather than any illicit substances.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe 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.
The character Oh demonstrates 'strong Christian, redemptive elements' through his willingness to 'sacrifice his life, freedom and safety for the wellbeing of a friend and Planet Earth,' highlighting themes of altruism and selflessness. The film consistently promotes positive values such as the acceptance of those who are different, the strength of loyalty in friendships, and the profound importance of family connections.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
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.
Additional Notes
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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