HOME ALONE (1990)

Film of the Day #234 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #13

HOME ALONE
1990 • Chris Columbus

Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Roberts Blossom, Catherine O'Hara, Angela Goethals, Devin Ratray, Gerry Bamman, Hillary Wolf, John Candy, Larry Hankin, Michael C. Maronna, Kristin Minter, Kieran Culkin
Screenplay: John Hughes
Cinematography: Julio Macat
Music: John Williams
Producer: John Hughes

20th Century Fox

This is my house. I have to defend it.

In the chaos of a wealthy bustling household at Christmas, the large McCallister clan is getting ready for a family trip to Paris. 8-year old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind when his impossibly large family mistakenly departs without him. Initially reveling in his newfound freedom, Kevin soon realizes that being home alone comes with its challenges, especially when two burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), target the McCallister residence. Unaware of Kevin's presence, the bumbling criminals plan to rob the house, providing the young boy with an unexpected opportunity to defend his home. Using his resourcefulness and a series of booby traps straight out of Looney Tunes, Kevin turns the McCallister residence into a fortress, setting the stage for a chaotic battle between the young boy and the inept burglars. Meanwhile, Kevin's family, having discovered his absence, frantically attempts to make their way back home to reunite with him.

Home Alone in and of itself is not a great film. All of the humor in the film is slapstick, bordering on masochism. However, it makes the list of essential Christmas movies because, frankly, it is the most financially successful Christmas film of all time. Its cultural impact can not be understated or ignored.  It currently ranks as the 43rd highest-grossing film of all time (adjusted for inflation.)  Home Alone not only launched Macaulay Culkin into stardom but also became a national phenomenon, capturing the hearts of audiences and becoming a quintessential part of holiday traditions. The film's success extended beyond the box office, contributing to the creation of a pop culture icon in young Kevin McCallister.

Its connection to Christmas is circumstantial.  Kevin McCallister's family accidentally leaves him home alone over the Christmas holiday, and he must defend his house from two bungling burglars.  The humor works for most children (my daughters love it), however, it is worth noting that the film's humor may not stand the test of time when viewed through the lens of adulthood. What once seemed hilariously entertaining to children might be perceived as somewhat simplistic for grown-up audiences. Nevertheless, the enduring appeal of Home Alone lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting viewers back to a time when the holiday season was synonymous with the mischievous antics of a resourceful young boy defending his home.

The success of Home Alone owes much to the stellar performances of Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, who brilliantly portray the bumbling burglars, The Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv. They are a collective Elmer Fudd to Culkin’s Bugs Bunny, creating the cartoonish humor to the live-action film. Joe Pesci, in a major departure from his role as Tommy in Goodfellas earlier that year, brings a comedic flair to his portrayal of the short-tempered and somewhat dim-witted Harry. His exasperation and over-the-top reactions to Kevin's traps contribute significantly to the film's tone. Pesci's ability to seamlessly transition from intense and menacing roles to slapstick comedy showcases his versatility as an actor. On the other hand, Daniel Stern embodies the role of Marv with a goofy charm that complements Pesci's character perfectly. Stern's expressive facial expressions and physical comedy contribute to the duo's overall comedic chemistry. The two actors play off each other with impeccable timing. Culkin is loveable as the cunning and mischievous Kevin. The film does a good job of putting you back in the shoes of an 8-year-old kid, when seemingly the world was against you and everything seemed unfair, but for adults, you also recognize when Kevin is being a bit of a brat. (That said, his parents are just the worst. More so in the sequel.) Culkin also plays vulnerability well, and you do fear for him and his situation. Of course that changes the second you see how completely incompetent and inept Harry and Marv actually are.

While Home Alone may not be hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, its unparalleled success, cultural significance, and enduring charm make it an indispensable part of the Christmas movie canon. Its legacy continues to thrive, making it a perennial favorite for families to revisit and share during the festive season, cementing its place as a holiday classic. The sequel, on the other hand, not so much. How can you forget the kid… again?

Keep the change, ya filthy animal!

Notable Awards & Accomplishments

• National Film Registry: Inducted in 2023

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Original Score

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Original Song - "Somewhere in My Memory"

Streaming: Disney+, Starz, DirecTV
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD