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Home Alone 1990 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX, DIRECTED BY CHRIS COLUMBUS Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pecsi, Daniel Stern, Katherine O'Hara This movie was a big part of my holiday season growing up. It seems like, as far back as I can remember, this movie has always managed to work its way onto the television screen at my Grandmothers on Christmas Day. Usually late at night, after everyone has eaten, and are settling in for a few hours before heading home. This is one of the best movies to do that to. For one, its funny. The concept, in itself, is a funny idea. A kid gets left home alone on Christmas Eve by his parents and seemingly endless family. The supporting acts of Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern help Machuly Culkin make this believable. For two, its got a strong message wrapped in its comedic shell. Its about forgiveness. Acceptance. Culkin plays Kevin McCallister. A snot-nosed, juvenile brat who does nothing but drive everyone crazy. On Christmas Eve, his family is having a chaotic dinner, where Kevin manages to make a mess and cause a big uproar in front of everyone. He’s sent to the third-floor bedroom for the night (with his bed-wetting cousin) as punishment. The next morning, the family takes off for their Christmas trip. Without Kevin. By the time they realize their mistake, they cant turn back for days. Kevin is left alone in a big house, with big trouble lurking outside as two hack criminals, Harry (Pesci) and Marv (Stern), want to break into Kevin’s house. Can Kevin keep safe? Can his parents make it back in time for Christmas? You’ve probably seen this movie. Most have by this point as the movie is 16 years old. I think there’s a lot of good in this film, and all of it seems to outweigh the bad for me personally. Kevin isn’t that bad of a kid. Sure he can be a handful, but he’s one of the youngest in a house that has endless adults and teenagers. What kid wouldn’t seem like a burden? He seems to have righted himself by the movies end, which is pretty predictable for some. In fact, that was my only problem with the entire picture. Predictability between dialogue and scenes. But they shouldn’t be the catalyst in people hating this movie. Its highly acclaimed, and rightly so. After all, with three sequels (only one with the same cast), Home Alone has something for everyone. Funny enough for adults and kids alike, while still keeping heartwarming undertones. A definite must for any Christmas movie collector, or just someone who likes watching two grown men get punked by a kid. MOUNT CRUMPIT RATING: 4 / 5 |
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