It's Christmas time and the McCallisters are preparing for a vacation to Paris. Eight-year-old Kevin is frequently mistreated in the house. He is picked on by his siblings and cousins, and his parents are annoyed by his antics. Kevin finds himself forced to sleep on the third floor of the house after causing an issue at dinner. The next day, the McCallisters accidentally sleep in and barely make it to their flight, but when airborne they realize they forgot Kevin. As his family desperately tries to get back to Chicago, Kevin is thrilled to have the house to himself. However, a pair of burglars, Harry and Marv, have robbed several houses in the neighbourhood, now with their sights on the McCallister house. It's up to Kevin to thwart them. Home Alone is quite possibly the definition of a Christmas Classic. This movie was written by the legendary John Hughes, who I adore for the countless incredible films he has produced and written. This one was just another delight from his huge roster of classics. During this festive season, who doesn't want a bit of family fun and laughter? What better way to supply it than by having a child use booby traps in his house to fend off two burglars. With most films, child actors can sometimes be quite annoying however this was not the case with Macaulay Culkin who played Kevin. I thought he was great in this as well as in his others films. He was funny, had some witty quick deliveries and frequently got some chuckles out of me. We the audience also feel a great deal of sympathy for Kevin since he is constantly picked on by his family and treated unfairly. His parents then go on to forget him when they leave for Paris. We don't blame Kevin for being so happy at his family's disappearance and partaking in crazy fun activities since he did want them gone after the way he had been treated. From jumping on the bed eating popcorn, eating lots of unhealthy food, watching older rated movies and sledging down the stairs, he gets up to all sorts of mischief he couldn't do before. Little did he expect he would then have to battle against two crooks attempting to rob his house, thinking that the whole family has left. It is from here that this film excels. The amount of unbelievable traps Kevin sets in place will more than likely kill you in real life, however in this film Harry and Marv just keep getting back up. Although, not entirely unscathed, of course. The film takes a slapstick approach to the action, which was an amazing choice. Seeing people take an iron to the face, having their hair set on fire or slipping on the ice, falling down some stone steps and continuing to keep going is just ridiculous entertainment. Knowing full well these traps are incredibly lethal, I found myself wincing or nearly looking away just at the thought of how they would feel. One of the funniest parts and my favourite is the screams and agonised muttering from our thieves Harry and Marv. Harry is more the brains of the two and frequently argues with the dumber Marv. Marv has some of the best screams in the movie that are instant laughs they are so good. Throughout, Kevin is taught a lesson about family. Despite enjoying their being gone, he eventually wants them back. No matter how much you have differences or fight, you always make things right with your loved ones because deep down we always care for one another. Not only does he learn this, but he even helps others to learn this too. Overall, Home Alone is just pure enjoyment for the whole family with a lovely message to tie it all together. It will never get old seeing a young boy battle crooked adults and triumph in saving Christmas. Give this phenomenal classic the check over this December for sure. If you liked this film, also check out Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).
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