Unlike most 80s films (literally born at the end of the 80s), my first John Hughs film was not a teen classic of the time, mine was 'Home Alone'. This was the true 90s kids film, who watched it wanting to recreate just one of the amazing traps Kevin McCallister makes in the film. Not only is the film ranked one of the greatest Christmas films of all time, it was also the highest-grossing live action comedy of all time in the US, until, of all things, The Hangover Part 2 beat it in 2011. It is, however still the highest grossing Christmas film in the US and teh film that earned infamous child star Macaulay Culkin a Golden Globe nomination.
Upon its release in 1990, the film received, surprisingly, mixed reviews, which makes me wonder why. What's not to like and enjoy about a kid who gets left behind by accident by hs family when they go on a Christmas holiday. This is every kid's dream to have the house to their selves and do whatever they want. Of course, no one thinks too dodgy crooks are going to rob their house thinking its empty. Anyone else would call family or the police but not Kevin.
No matter how big our family is, we all feel at one point or other like Kevin. The youngest in his family, seen as annoying by his older siblings abd disruptive by his parents. Always feeling left out and not taken any notice of. Although we the audience get to enjoy the hilariy and actually really dangerous torture devices and traps set up for Harry and Marv, a Pinky and the Brain type criminal duo, his 'accomplishments' are never seen by his family. Although they see he is more than 'the youngest' and congratulate him for surviving by himself, his true nature and skills are still never appreciated by them. Although their reaction to how he set the house up with traps, might not go down too well for everyone.
'Home Alone' is an odd classic compared to what Christmas films are churned out in recent years. It feels as if Hallmark has taken over. John Hughes' story unfold like any old Christmas film, family fueds, a comic but dire tragedy, a desparate journey and happy reunion. But the twist in this 'family' film is just as the poster says, it isn't about family, its about defending your castle or in this case an 8 year old who takes on two dangerous criminals by putting them through some of the deadliest booby traps constructed. Seriously don't try this at home, no matter how tempting. The film is given an extra edge of oddness in the form Joe Pesci who plays Harry. Know for his violent gangster characters, its a treat to see him paired with lanky dim Marv (Daniel Stern) barking orders, flashing his gold tooth and having a pillow full of feathers explode in his face. The fact that quite a bit of the joy of the film takes place in the last third of the film and where all the comedic but deadly violence happens. Slapstick is stretched the very edge of its meaning BUT there is no denying that we all enjoy seeing 'bad' guys' suffer. Besides, its Christmas, we're allowed to have fun.
Kevin's plan of action is glimpsed in the film as he unrolls a basic plan of one floor of the house, with tar, features and red hot mentioned, what I always wonder is how the hell did he clean up afterwards??
As a fun Christmas throwback, Home Alone is back in cinemas in the UK thanks to Park Circus. Take a look at where its playing, especially if you've never seen it, then you'll understand why everyone says; 'Merry Christmas ya filthy animal!' at Christmas.
Thank you to Park Circus for the pictures/poster.
© 1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved