Home Alone

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Tom F The rewatch turned up some new thoughts for me, but overall it’s nothing special. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/07/25 Full Review robert c An absolute classic! Watch it every year during the holiday season! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/25 Full Review MarkMeets M Home Alone Movie Review by Mark Boardman (MarkMeets.com) When it comes to Christmas classics, Home Alone is an undeniable fan favorite that has managed to entertain audiences across generations since its release in 1990. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, the film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. What ensues is a hilarious, action-packed adventure that has cemented Home Alone as a holiday staple. But does it still hold up more than three decades later? Let's take a closer look. A Heartwarming and Hilarious Plot Home Alone starts off with a chaotic family scene that leads to Kevin being left behind in the McCallister's lavish Chicago home. At first, Kevin enjoys the freedom of being alone, indulging in junk food, staying up late, and watching his favorite films. But his newfound independence is short-lived when two burglars, Harry and Marv (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), plot to rob the house. Kevin, with a combination of cunning and childlike innocence, sets up a series of ingenious traps to defend his home. The concept itself isn't anything groundbreaking. We've seen kids protect their homes from intruders before, but it's the way Home Alone executes this premise that makes it so memorable. Kevin's resourcefulness and creativity, combined with the slapstick humor of the burglars getting repeatedly outsmarted, create a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and side-splitting laughter. The film is much more than a simple comedy - it's about family, resilience, and the joy of finding one's strength even in the most bizarre of circumstances. Macaulay Culkin's Star Turn Culkin's portrayal of Kevin is truly iconic. His performance balances both the vulnerability and defiance of a young boy who, while scared and lonely at first, rises to the occasion and becomes an unlikely hero. It's a performance that captivates both kids and adults alike, giving Home Alone its unique charm. Culkin's natural comedic timing also adds an extra layer of humor to the film, making Kevin's schemes not only clever but outrageously funny. A Standout Cast While Culkin is undoubtedly the star of the show, the supporting cast is equally noteworthy. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern play the bumbling burglars Harry and Marv, providing much of the film's physical comedy. Their performances are a masterclass in slapstick humor - even when their characters are being outsmarted and pummeled by Kevin's traps, they remain endearing in their incompetence. Catherine O'Hara, who plays Kevin's mother, also delivers a touching performance. Her frantic journey to get back to her son creates a subplot that adds a layer of emotional depth to the otherwise comedic story. The mix of heart and humor makes the film accessible to a wide audience and reinforces its timeless appeal. Timeless and Nostalgic Even though Home Alone is set in the early '90s, its nostalgic charm and timeless themes have kept it relevant for today's audience. The story may be simple, but it's universally relatable - who wouldn't love the idea of being left alone in a giant house with no rules, or the notion of outsmarting a pair of burglars? The laughs are still as genuine, and the heartwarming moments are just as impactful. Conclusion Home Alone has rightfully earned its place as a holiday classic. Its clever plot, unforgettable performances, and perfect balance of comedy and heart make it a must-watch every holiday season. If you haven't seen it in a while, give it another watch - it's the kind of film that never gets old. Whether you're watching it for the first time or revisiting it after years, Home Alone will always deliver the laughs and feel-good moments that make it a cherished part of holiday traditions. Rating: 9/10 Mark Boardman MarkMeets founder. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/25 Full Review Piotrek I Home Alone is a fantastic comedy for the whole family. This movie is the best for watching during Christmas. First time I watched this film when I was a child and since this moment I have had the same emotions about it. This movie tells us how to deal with bad people when we are alone. The protagonist is young boy who is left alone in a big house. When he's at home, two robbers want to burgle the house. For the whole movie the boy wants to stop the villains and he does this by setting traps. Happily it all ended well and the boy won, I recommend this movie to everybody as the best Christmas movie in the world! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/16/25 Full Review Audience Member Even without the nostalgia bias, this is still a very good movie. The humor is great, the acting is top tier, and the soundtrack is one of the greatest of all time. Only thing that gives this 4.5 instead of 5 stars is there is a handful of things that aren't realistic in the movie (such as forgetting your child at home). But all in all, this is a timeless classic that still very much holds up today with many funny and wholesome moments. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/01/25 Full Review luso m This movie was amazing, and the comedy is genius! The plot is also awesome. It's a really funny and well-written movie. It definitely deserves more recognition and appreciation. I could watch this movie repeatedly and never get tired of it. Would definitely recommend watching it with your family!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/31/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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