Movie review | ‘Home’ doesn’t quite reach the level of other DreamWorks classics

So the big question for grown-ups considering animated movies geared toward kids is, “Will there be enough to keep me entertained?”

In the case of “Home” the latest offering from DreamWorks, the answer is, generally, yes, though it’s unlikely “Home” will be as loved as other DreamWorks classics such as the “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “How to Train Your Dragon” series, all of which were better films than “Home.”

Still, the director Tim Johnson, should get points for his vision and an adaptation of the New York Times best-selling children’s book, “The True Meaning of Smekday.” The casting of Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”) as the loveable Oh, an alien who doesn’t quite fit the mold, was inspired.

Steve Martin, who deserved more screen time, plays the inept Captain Smek, leader of the aliens, who are known as the Boov, and who are always on the run hiding from the Gorgs. The big disappointment was the lead, an Earth girl whose character, named “Tip,” was well drawn and motivated, but never got the support from the mostly flat reading given by pop star Rihanna.

The 3D was well-rendered, and, if you like 3D, worth the extra few dollars per ticket, but only if you sit close enough for it to pop off the big screen. A sequel to the book upon which “Home” is based, “Smek for President,” was released earlier this year. If “Home” does well enough at the box office, DreamWorks might try again, this time swinging for a home run instead of single.

This story was originally published April 7, 2015 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Movie review | ‘Home’ doesn’t quite reach the level of other DreamWorks classics."