Watch Home Movies
- TV-14
- 1999
- 4 Seasons
-
8.2 (10,634)
Home Movies is an animated television show that aired on the Adult Swim network from 1999-2004. The show follows the misadventures of a young boy named Brendon Small (voiced by co-creator Brendon Small) who aspires to become a famous filmmaker. Along with his friends, Melissa Robbins (voiced by Melissa Bardin Galsky) and Jason Penopolis (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), Brendon creates a variety of homemade movies that range from action-packed adventures to hyper-dramatic character pieces. Much of the humor in Home Movies comes from the characters' awkward interactions with one another as they navigate the joys and pitfalls of childhood. Despite the fact that Brendon and his friends are pre-teens, they frequently engage in conversations that seem like they belong to full-grown adults. This is often contrasted with the juvenile behavior they display when they aren't trying to make films, such as during sleepovers or in gym class. The majority of the show's episodes center around the trio's attempts to make various movies, which usually involve some kind of conflict or obstacle that they must overcome in order to succeed. For example, in one episode they attempt to make a horror movie but keep getting interrupted by a nosy neighbor who wants to participate in the film. In another episode, they try to create a Western but are constantly interrupted by a bully who wants to steal the spotlight. Other characters in the show include Brendon's single mother, Paula (voiced by Paula Poundstone), who is supportive of her son's creative endeavors but also struggles with her own problems as a divorcee. Coach John McGuirk (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) is another notable character, who is both Brendon's soccer coach and an aspiring actor, often trying to interject himself into the kids' movies. The animation style of Home Movies is unique, with characters that are drawn in a very simple, minimalistic fashion. Despite this simplicity, the show is visually appealing with visual gags and inventive camera angles that frequently break the fourth wall. The animation is often accompanied by a fast-paced, jazzy score that adds to the show's playful, irreverent tone. One of the most endearing aspects of Home Movies is the way it captures the essence of childhood and the creative spirit that drives young kids to pursue their passions. Brendon, Melissa, and Jason are all driven by their desire to create and tell stories, even if those stories are sometimes overly ambitious or poorly conceived. They face difficulties and setbacks, but they always pick themselves up and keep trying, buoyed by their friendship and their shared love of filmmaking. Over the course of its four-year run, Home Movies developed a dedicated fan base who appreciated the show's unique combination of humor, heart, and creativity. Although the show was never a ratings powerhouse during its original run, it has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of the Adult Swim lineup. Fans of the show can still enjoy it today through streaming services and DVD releases.
