DreamWorks' Home (2015)

Jul 12, 2024

DreamWorks' Home (2015)

Overview

  • The early 2010s DreamWorks films had inconsistent quality.
  • Examples of successful films: Mr. Peabody and Sherman.
  • Examples of less successful films: Rise of the Guardians (commercial failure), Trolls, The Boss Baby.

Introduction to Home (2015)

  • Released in 2015.
  • Generally, not well-received and forgotten over time.
  • The lecturer expresses a mix of likes and dislikes for the movie.

Plot Summary

  • The story starts with an introduction to the Boov, an alien species, on 'moving day'.
  • The protagonist, Oh, voiced by Jim Parsons (Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory).
  • The Boov move to Earth and relocate humans.
  • Key characters include Captain Smeck (leader of the Boov), Tip (human girl voiced by Rihanna), and Pig (Tip's cat).
  • Main plot revolves around Oh sending an Evite to the galaxy, summoning their enemies, the Gorg.
  • Oh and Tip go on an adventure to find Tip’s mom.
  • They travel to various locations, showcasing the Boov's misuse of human technology.
  • Resolution involves Oh using a Gorg superchip to save the Boov and humans.
  • Ends with a dance party celebrating unity between Boov and humans.

Notable Aspects

Likes

  • Music: Soundtrack by famous artists like Rihanna.
  • Voice Acting: Highlighted especially Jim Parsons and Rihanna.
  • Genuinely Funny Moments: Some unintentional comedy, e.g., Boov reactions.

Dislikes

  • Humor: Generally not well-received, except for ironic enjoyment.
  • Writing: Not as sophisticated as other DreamWorks hits; dialogue and plot aimed at a younger audience.
  • Sound Quality: Sounds obviously like it's recorded in a studio, takes away from the immersion.

Reception

  • Box Office: Cost $135 million to make, earning $386 million worldwide, barely breaking even.
  • Seen as a commercial failure following underperformance of Mr. Peabody and Sherman.

Marketing and Merchandise

  • Extensive promotional campaign: McDonald's toys, Denny’s promotions, etc.
  • Observations on various promotions and their effectiveness.
  • Home-related merchandise involved numerous figures and plushies.

Source Material

  • Book: Based on The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex.
  • Differences in Boov character designs between the movie and the book.

Spin-offs and Related Content

  • Netflix Show: Home: The Adventures of Oh and Tip - not well-received.
  • Mediocre animation quality and voice acting comparisons with other DreamWorks spinoff series.

Final Thoughts

  • Home is considered an oddity within the DreamWorks catalog.
  • Neither a notably good nor notoriously bad film.
  • DreamWorks' recent successes (e.g., Puss in Boots 2) suggest a more promising direction for the studio.

Additional Note:

  • The lecturer encourages viewers to engage with more forgotten films and support the quality content by subscribing.