Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone is a 1990 American Christmas comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes. The film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left home alone by his family on Christmas Eve. When two burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), attempt to rob the McCallister house, Kevin must defend it using a variety of traps.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $476 million worldwide. It was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Home Alone is considered to be one of the greatest Christmas films of all time.
Plot
The McCallister family is preparing for a Christmas vacation to Paris. Kevin, an eight-year-old boy, is being punished for his behavior and is sent to bed early. The next morning, Kevin wakes up to find his house empty. His family has forgotten him and left for Paris without him.
Kevin is initially scared and alone, but he soon realizes that he has the opportunity to do whatever he wants. He watches TV, eats junk food, and plays video games. He even has a snowball fight with a neighbor.
Meanwhile, Harry and Marv, two burglars, are planning to rob the McCallister house. They have heard that the family is away and believe that the house will be easy to rob.
When Harry and Marv arrive at the McCallister house, they are surprised to find Kevin home. Kevin sets a series of traps for the burglars, including paint cans, bricks, and nails. Harry and Marv are injured by the traps, but they refuse to give up.
In the end, Kevin is able to defeat Harry and Marv. He calls the police, who arrest the burglars. Kevin is reunited with his family, who are overjoyed to see him.
Characters
- Kevin McCallister is the protagonist of the film. He is an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left home alone by his family. Kevin is resourceful and determined, and he uses his wits to defend himself against the burglars.
- Harry Lime is one of the two burglars. He is a ruthless and violent man who is determined to rob the McCallister house.
- Marv Merchants is the other burglar. He is a cowardly and incompetent man who is easily scared by Kevin’s traps.
- Kate McCallister is Kevin’s mother. She is a loving and caring mother who is devastated when she realizes that she has left Kevin home alone.
- Peter McCallister is Kevin’s father. He is a busy businessman who is often away from home.
Themes
Home Alone is a film about family, friendship, and the importance of home. The film also explores the themes of independence and self-reliance.
The film’s message is that even though Kevin is young and alone, he is still capable of taking care of himself. He uses his wits and determination to defeat the burglars and protect his home.
Legacy
Home Alone is a classic Christmas film that has been enjoyed by audiences of all ages for generations. The film is a heartwarming story about a boy who learns to overcome his fears and become a hero.
The film’s success led to the creation of two sequels, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) and Home Alone 3 (1997). The films were also successful, but they were not as critically acclaimed as the original.
Home Alone has been adapted into a stage musical, which premiered in Chicago in 2020. The musical has been praised for its humor and heartwarming story.
Home Alone is a film that will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for years to come. It is a classic Christmas film that is full of humor, heart, and adventure.