Culkin gets Stern with Pesci burgulars
Home Alone (1990)
Back in 1990 no one had really heard of Macaulay Culkin, and then Home Alone was released and suddenly this young kid was the hottest property in Hollywood. I will also say that after a few films where Culkin played annoyingly cute kids I became sick of him along with all the press coverage which went along with the Culkin family.
When Kevin McAllister wakes up following being sent to the attic to sleep he discovers his Christmas wish has come true - his huge family have disappeared. With the house to himself he takes full advantage of no bullying brothers and nagging parents but learns some important lessons to do with independence, responsibility, defending the home against two bungling burglars--and how nice it is to have a family.
Home Alone focuses on young Kevin as he gets the run of the house in his parent's absence, and although it starts out as fun, it soon turns sour as he comes up against two bungling burglars, and he finally realises that he actually wants his family back. This film was a massive hit on its release, and to be honest it is still as enjoyable to watch today as it was back then. Even if you feel that Macaulay Culkin is one of the most annoying things to have come out of Hollywood, there is so much more to this film other than his sickly sweet cuteness.
Firstly you have 2 brilliant comedy performances from Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the bungling burglars "The Wet Bandits", but secondly you have the cartoon strip style comedy which reminds you of Tom and Jerry. Too be honest the plot is very simple, but when you remember that this is quintessentially a kids movie, then it is more than adequate and allows for the young audience to fantasise about getting the run of their house. I can just imagine how many kids who watched this wanted to try sledging down their stairs, I know I did and I wasn't a kid when I first saw this.
In the lead role of 8-year old Kevin McAllister is Macaulay Culkin (My Girl) and undeniably this is the film which shot him too stardom. Although I'd like to, you really can't knock Macaulay's performance, as he comes across as loveable and cute, exactly what the role called for. In my opinion it wasn't until they made the sequel, that Culkin became more annoying that cute.
Opposite Culkin you have two great comic talents of Pesci and Stern as the burglars. Firstly, Joe Pesci (Casino) plays Harry the brains behind the two man team and in my opinion the more sinister of the two, if that is really possible in this film. Then you have Daniel Stern (City Slickers) as Marv, not the brightest of burglars. Stern comes across as a cartoon character right out of a Wylie Coyote cartoon; I honestly couldn't stop myself laughing whenever he was on screen. The rest of the cast put in more than adequate performances with the likes of John Heard and Catherine O'Hara headlining the supporting cast along with John Candy putting in an enjoyable performance as the Polka band leader.
Home Alone is written by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus and between them have created one of the most enjoyable and successful kids movies in history. The whole movie really gels really well, from the plot to the performances and onto the cinematography. All of this is down to the creative and directional talents of Hughes and Columbus. As the film is set over the festive period, it typically has a very festive soundtrack, which includes the songs "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Santa Claus is comin' to Town".
Home Alone is undoubtedly one of the most profitable and popular movies of all time. It's got nothing to do with amazing plots, special effects or Oscar winning performances. It's purely down to it being a very enjoyable and light hearted film, which appeals to a wider audience than what it was intended for. Even now in my 30s, I still enjoy watching Home Alone as it is a bit of harmless fun, and makes a change from some of the dire movies that are coming out right now.
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- Title: Home Alone
- Year: 1990
- Length: 103 mins
- Certificate: PG
- Genre: Comedy, Family
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Catherine O'Hara, Hillary Wolf, John Candy
- The Movie Scene Rating:
