"Home" is an entertaining animated feature that should be especially entertaining for elementary-age and preschool children.

The science-fiction fantasy is about an alien named Oh (voiced by Jim Parsons), who is from a species called Boov.The leader of the Boov is Captain Smek (Steve Martin). The Boov, led by Smek, have fled to earth to escape the Gorg, their arch enemies.On earth, Oh meets Gratuity "Tip" Tucci (Rihanna), whose mom, Lucy (Jennifer Lopez), is one of the humans relocated by the Boov to Humansville, which is somewhere in Australia.The plot in "Home" is simple but effective. The characters, story and often potty-mouth humor ("You were scared? I almost made a No. 3," says Oh) should be gleefully enjoyed by pre-teens.Children and adults should appreciate the visual jokes (Smek's "blankie" is a sheet of bubble wrap), puns and beautifully detailed DreamWorks studio computer animation.The characters of the Boov are big-eyed, stubby and have what seems to be a half-dozen feet.One of the many clever features of the Boov is that their emotions are reflected in changes in their skin color, which can go from purple to blue to red.The friendship between Oh and Tip is handled well, as is the arc of the changes in their respective characters.Director Tim Johnson ("Over the Hedge," 2006; "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas," 2003; "Antz," 1998) juggles the film's mix of frenetic action and jokey dialogue with several scenes that are virtually silent with no dialogue.The screenplay by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember (cowriters, "Epic," 2013; "Get Smart," 2008; "Failure to Launch," 2006) is based on the novel, "The True Meaning of Smekday," by Adam Rex.The dialogue by Oh is charming.Something gets lost in the translation from the Boov language to English.For example, Oh says: "I sees you has broke it."Jim Parsons (TV's "The Big Bang Theory) has an engaging voice for the character of Oh.Pop star Rihanna has an enthusiastic voice the character of Tip.The soundtrack includes several catchy songs by Rihanna and Stargate (the professional name of Norwegian writer-producers Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen)."Home" not only renders charming animation. It also renders some life lessons, that of "running toward the danger," a lesson that Oh must learn because the Boovs are constantly running away from the Gorg."Home," MPAA rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested. Some Material May Not Be Suitable For Children.) for mild action and some rude humor; Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fanasy, Sci-Fi; Run Time: 1 hr., 34 min.; Distributed by 20th Century Fox.Credit Readers Anonymous: Rihanna sings several new songs on the soundtrack, including "Dancing in the Dark," "Towards the Sun," "As Real as You and Me," "Drop That" and "Only Girl (in the World)."Box Office, April 3: The summer movie blockbuster season seems to have arrived about one month early with the "Furious 7" phenomenal No. 1 opening of $143.6 million, leaving "Home" in its dust, dropping from No. 1 to No. 2, with a still decent $27.4 million, $95.6 million, two weeks;3. "Get Hard," $12.9 million, $57 million, two weeks; 4. "Cinderella," $10.2 million, $167.2 million, four weeks; 5. "The Divergent Series: Insurgent," $10 million, $103.3 million, three weeks; 6. "It Follows," $2.4 million, $8.5 million, four weeks;7. "Woman In Gold," $2 million, opening; 8. "Kingsman: The Secret Service," $1.7 million, $122.2 million, eight weeks; 9. "Do You Believe?" $1.5 million, $8.8 million, three weeks; 10. "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," $1 million, $30 million, five weeks;Unreel, April 10:"Kill Me Three Times," R: A professional hit man fails in a contract assignment. Simon Pegg, Teresa Palmer, Alice Braga and Luke Hemsworth star in the action-thriller."Ex Machina," R: A female artificial intelligence robot is evaluated. Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac and Corey Johnson star in the science-fiction drama."The Longest Ride," PG: An older man remembers a lost love and befriends a younger couple. Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Melissa Benoist and Jack Huston star in the romantic drama.Read Paul Willistein's movie reviews at the Lehigh Valley Press website, thelehighvalley-press.com; the Times News website, tnonline.com; and hear them on "Lehigh Valley Art Salon," 6-6:30 p.m. Mondays, WDIY 88.1 FM, wdiy.org, where the movie reviews are archived. Email Paul Willistein: pwillistein@ tnonline.com. Follow Paul Willistein on Twitter @PaulWillistein and friend Paul Willistein on Facebook.