The holiday seasons are quickly approaching, and what better way to get into the spirit than by watching holiday classics? All over, people are watching tons of holiday movies to enjoy the festivities and get into the joyous spirit; provided by channels that stream all the popular films, such as the Hallmark Channel.
One of the most famously known Christmas movies, and frankly one of my all-time favorites would be Home Alone. Home Alone is a 1990 highly successful family comedy, produced in 1990; written by author, John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus. John Hughes, along with creating Home Alone, was also a well-known author especially during the 90’s. Many of his other works included successful movies such as The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles.
Plot Summary
Home Alone follows a young boy named Kevin McCallister (actor, Macaulay Culkin), as he is mistakenly left home alone when his family fly to Paris for their Christmas vacation. When Kevin wakes up and realizes that he is home alone, he is overjoyed. He enjoys what every child dreams for, eating immense amounts of ice cream and sleeping in late. But soon eight year old Kevin, has to learn how to fend for himself, by protecting his house, and himself. After he hears about two burglars that are plotting to rob his house, he does everything in his power to prevent them. He torments these two burglars (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), and manages to save himself and his house, while his mother comes home from vacation.
Critical Reviews
The movie first appeared in theaters on November 16, 1990, and came out on disc on October 5, 1999. The Twentieth Century Fox movie, which runs for 103 minutes, is PG for parental guidance, which is a little questionable. While the movie is quite comical, and is a family classic; there are many instances of profanity and slapstick violence. Many reviews online, focus on the amount of controversy that parents feel.
“This is due to the level of disrespect between kids and adults” (Common Sense Media). On multiple occasions, Kevin’s parents (played by John Heard and Catherine O’ Hara) don’t project themselves as positive role models. But this sets the plot, with them not being mindful enough to remember one of their twelve children. Kevin, on the other hand, doesn’t mind talking back to his mother, and does provide viewers with a fair-share of profanity, which isn’t very common from an eight year old, and is not the best for young viewers to hear.
Popularity
Home Alone grossed $17 million, in its opening weekend, and proved so popular that it stayed in theaters well past the Christmas season. Macaulay Culkin, or Kevin, was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor- Musical or Comedy. Culkin, has a cute/ strong performance, which promotes the film throughout the nation. After Home Alone soon became the highest-grossing live action comedy film in the United States, during that time period. It also had successful franchise, producing four sequels. Rotten Tomatoes ranked it 5.5/10, which was at 63%. Myself, I would rate this movie 4 out of 5 presents, on the present scale.
Despite the mixed critical reception, this movie is quite enjoyable, and I watch it whenever it plays on the Hallmark Channel. Some may comment on the quality of the movie, being made in the early 90’s, but I feel as if it makes the film more unique. The holiday classic is will be showing on Wednesday, December 12th, for Colonia High School’s Holiday movie night! Tickets are selling during lunches, and at the door as well. Come out and enjoy a hysterical holiday family classic!
