Cast
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Macaulay Culkin
as Kevin
Joe Pesci
as Harry
Daniel Stern
as Marv
John Heard
as Peter
Roberts Blossom
as Marley
Catherine O'Hara
as Kate
Angela Goethals
as Linnie
Devin Ratray
as Buzz
Gerry Bamman
as Uncle Frank
Hillary Wolf
as Megan
John Candy
as Gus Polinski
Larry Hankin
as Officer Balzak
Michael C. Maronna
as Jeff
Kristin Minter
as Heather
Diana Rein
as Sondra
Crew
Director
- Chris Columbus
Producer
- John Hughes
Reviews
Gimly
Doesn't really work if you actually spend the time to bother thinking about it, but so long as you don't _Home Alone_ is a pretty good time. There's really no likeable character, and it's honestly pretty mean spirited, but sometimes that's what you might need to defrag over Christmas.
_Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
Dec 30, 2019
Andre Gonzales
Love this movie. I was 8 when this came out. I remember being so jealous of Kevin, because I wished I could be home alone like that to do whatever I wanted.
May 27, 2023
CinemaSerf
It has taken me 30 years to sit down and watch this film and I'm quite glad I finally did. I usually loathe kids movies, and the trails at the time always put me off - but Macauley Culkin is really quite a charmer in this tale of a youngster who is accidentally left at home at Christmas by his family. They have jetted off to Paris leaving him alone facing the unwanted attentions of two would-be burglars (Joe Pesci & Daniel Stern). Initially a bit unsettled, he is soon is his stride using just about every gadget (and critter) in their large family home to make sure he thwarts their thieving intentions. It's really all about the kid - and this one delivers well. The slapstick elements of the plot are designed to raise a smile, never to maim - even if having your head set on fire by a blow torch, or being walloped in the face by an hot iron might do longer term damage than happens here. That's the fun of it, for fun it is - it's a modern day Laurel & Hardy style story with an ending that's never in doubt. It does have a slightly more serious purpose, highlighting loneliness - not just for "Kevin" but his elderly neighbour "Marley" (Roberts Blossom) and it has that lovely scene on the aircraft when mother Catherine O'Hara realises that it wasn't just the garage doors that they forgot to sort out before they left! A great, and instantly recognisable score from maestro John Williams tops it all off nicely.
Aug 26, 2023
Peter McGinn
Of course we watched this more than 20 years ago, but recently took it out of the library to watch again for a couple of reasons. One, it is ostensibly a holiday movie and we were watching a series of them. Also, a friend had just lost a loved pet and needed a silly movie to take her mind away for a couple of hours.
This movie fit the bill. It has several laugh out loud scenes, and mildly amusing material surrounding those scenes. The ensemble cast is fine. Catherine O’Hara is a believable mom and I have liked Daniel Stern ever since he couldn’t understand how a VCR works in City Slickers.
If you are one of those gentle souls like our friend who has difficulty distinguishing between cartoonish fictional violence and reality, you will need to look away a few times.
It won’t make the regular rotation of our traditional holiday movies, but I am glad we fit it in this year.
Dec 23, 2023
Thematic Analysis
Home Alone represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Chris Columbus brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Home Alone took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 497 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Home Alone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike VeggieTales: An Easter Carol, which focuses more on action than character development, Home Alone subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like That Joyous Eve... and Zootopia explore similar territory, Home Alone stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 16, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $18,000,000
- Revenue: $476,684,675
Where to Watch
