“Home and Away,” the newest offering from director Ben Wheeler, promised a laugh-a-minute escape filled with quirky characters and heartwarming family dynamics. However, the film stumbles out of the gate, ultimately landing with a resounding thud that leaves audiences more bewildered than entertained.
A Premise with Potential
The film centers around the Johnson family – George (played by Michael Thompson), a perpetually stressed businessman, his tightly-wound wife Martha (Susannah Miller), and their teenage daughter Chloe (Lily Jones). Facing financial hardship and a looming foreclosure, the Johnsons are forced to sell their luxurious suburban home and move in with Martha’s eccentric Aunt Mildred (Fiona Blake) in the quaint, but slightly ramshackle, town of Harmony Springs.
The premise holds promise. Fish-out-of-water scenarios, the clash between city slickers and small-town life, and the potential for family bonding amidst adversity are all comedic goldmines when handled well. Unfortunately, “Home and Away” squanders these opportunities.
Flat Characters and Predictable Plot
The Johnsons are archetypal and one-dimensional. George is the bumbling buffoon, constantly frustrated by the lack of high-speed internet and the town’s quirky customs. Martha is the uptight control freak, desperately clinging to the remnants of her old life. Chloe, the obligatory rebellious teenager, initially resists the move but eventually embraces the small-town charm.
The supporting characters in Harmony Springs are equally stereotypical. The overly friendly neighbor, the nosy small-town gossip, and the wacky town mayor are all tired tropes that offer little in the way of originality or humor. The plot follows a predictable trajectory, filled with clichéd misunderstandings, slapstick gags that fall flat, and a forced romance subplot between Chloe and the local farmhand.
Humor that Misses the Mark
The film relies heavily on physical comedy, with pratfalls, awkward encounters, and sight gags constituting the bulk of the humor. These attempts at slapstick often feel forced and lack any real wit. Additionally, the humor leans heavily on outdated stereotypes, making some scenes cringe-worthy rather than laugh-out-loud funny.
Missed Opportunities for Heart
The film’s trailer hinted at a heartwarming family story, highlighting the Johnsons’ journey of rediscovering their connection amidst the chaos. However, these moments are underdeveloped and overshadowed by the relentless barrage of uninspired humor. The film fails to capture the emotional nuances of the family’s struggles, leaving audiences feeling emotionally disconnected from the characters.
Technical Shortcomings
The film’s technical aspects are equally uninspired. The camerawork is generic, the editing lacks rhythm, and the soundtrack is forgettable. The production design, while attempting to capture the quaintness of Harmony Springs, feels more like a collection of tired clichés than a believable small town.
A Missed Flight
“Home and Away” is a missed opportunity. With a more nuanced script, well-developed characters, and a touch of genuine heart, the film could have been a charming exploration of family dynamics and the value of community. However, as it stands, the film is a tedious and uninspired slog, filled with predictable humor and one-dimensional characters. Unless you’re desperate for a cinematic snoozefest, it’s best to avoid this “Home” altogether.
