A boring tale of a girl and an alien

Home
English (U) **
Director: Tim Johnson
Cast: Rihanna, Jim Parsons, Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez

Home tells the story of a young girl, Gratuity or Tip (Rihanna) who makes friends with an alien, Oh (Parsons) so she can find her mother. Oh is an extrovert, hence a misfit among his race, the Boovs. The Boovs are anti-social and scoot when there’s trouble. That does not stop them from invading Earth, when they are pursued by Gorgs, another alien species.

In a friendly invasion, humans are banished to Australia, save for Tip and her pet cat called Pig. Trouble for the Boovs start when Oh plans a big party and goofs when he hits the “Reply All” button; inviting all aliens in space, including the Gorgs. What follows are the adventures of Tip and Oh in the grace period, before the Gorgs get the mail.

Home features an enticing colour palette, which will amuse children, but not the adults. The Boovs look like purple and pink minions from Despicable Me. 

The plot is quite predictable and there is hardly any story. Tales of children befriending an alien is something already seen in Lilo and Stitch (2002) or E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982). Parsons excels as the highly irritating Oh. Rihanna contributes 

three forgettable tracks and is boring as Tip. While the crux of Home is about friendship, there isn’t any strong bond between Tip and Oh. This is a very ordinary film from the DreamWorks stable, and as the end credits roll, one will be relieved they can finally be home.