Home is the latest film from DreamWorks Animation. It follows in the footsteps of recent profitable franchises like How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar. When compared to these titles, it does not seem special. However, as a non-sequel feature Home is an awaited redemption after DWA animated films like Turbo (2013) and Mr. Peabody and Sherman (2014) did not do well at the box office.
Home’s box office success may be partially attributed to the “star power” of Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, Jim Parsons, opens the viewing demographic to fans of The Big Bang Theory, which is currently one of the top ranking television shows on air. On a side note, Parsons as the voice of the main character, Oh, is thoroughly enjoyable. Any fan of The Big Bang Theory will immediately recognize a distinct “sheldonesque charm.”
The story follows the Boov, a nomadic alien race. As they find themselves running away from danger of possible annihilation, they set their eyes on Earth. Shortly after “settling in,” Oh, a marginalized Boov, causes trouble and turns into a fugitive. In his escape, Oh runs into a human girl named Tip who is looking for her mom. They band together and embark on an adventure that takes them all over the world.
This is a great film for parents to watch intentionally with their children. It provides conversation and learning opportunities as it draws on themes of courage, friendship, family, belonging and community. Throughout the film, Oh learns what it means to be accepted and cared for, but he also learns about the sensibility, empathy and courage necessary to reciprocate friendship.
Personally, as I have been reflecting on the film’s theme of community, I am reminded of the strong community of the early church, found in Acts 2. Oh finds community, first with Tip and her mother, and then with his fellow Boov, except, this happens as he changes and proves himself. Tip originally does not trust him; it is not until they have spent time together that she learns to accept him for all he is. But Jesus calls us to love people unconditionally, just the way he loves radically, to the point of sacrifice, and since the very beginning. As the church, the body of Christ and the children of God, do we seek out and welcome the aliens, the marginalized, and the exiles?
On the other side, as Americans, we can also put our selves in the Boov’s place. We take over places and take things away from others. All in the name of progress and capitalism, without having a real concern of how others are affected.
“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46,47). I find these thoughts convicting, are we following the example set for us by these Spirit-filled people? Are we being devoted, generous and seeking the goodwill of all people? And how can we start following these examples?
You might also find these reviews of Home helpful:
