Watch Review: Chris Reviews: Home Alone

As the holiday season approaches, the classic Christmas movie "Home Alone" is on the top of many people's must-watch lists. Starring child actor Macaulay Culkin, the film was first released in 1990 and has since become a beloved holiday classic. This year, I decided to re-watch the film and see how well it holds up in 2021. The film begins with the McCallister family preparing for their trip to Paris for the holidays. Among the chaos and confusion, the youngest son Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) gets left behind at home. Initially thrilled about having the house to himself, Kevin soon realizes that he has to defend his house from two burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), who are planning to rob every house in the neighborhood, including the McCallister residence. Armed with his wit and a variety of booby traps, Kevin sets out to thwart the criminals and protect his home.

One of the reasons why "Home Alone" is such a beloved holiday movie is because it strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart. On the one hand, the film is filled with hilarious moments, such as Kevin's antics as he tries out his newfound freedom or the physical comedy of Harry and Marv falling prey to Kevin's traps. On the other hand, the film also has a lot of heart, particularly in the relationship between Kevin and his neighbor Old Man Marley (Roberts Blossom), who helps Kevin learn the importance of forgiveness and family.

As a child, I loved "Home Alone" for its slapstick humor and over-the-top booby traps. Watching the film as an adult, I still find those moments funny but also appreciate the more nuanced aspects of the film. For example, the scene where Kevin's mother (Catherine O'Hara) is desperately trying to get back to her son is incredibly moving and showcases the film's theme of the importance of family.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is its excellent cast. Macaulay Culkin delivers a fantastic performance as the quick-witted but vulnerable Kevin. His chemistry with Roberts Blossom as Old Man Marley is also noteworthy and adds an emotional depth to the film. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern also deliver excellent performances as the bumbling burglars Harry and Marv, providing plenty of laughs with their slapstick antics.

Of course, no review of "Home Alone" would be complete without mentioning the film's iconic score. Composed by John Williams, the music perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays while also providing a memorable accompaniment to the film's more action-packed scenes. From the opening strains of "Somewhere in My Memory" to the triumphant finale of "Star of Bethlehem," the score adds an extra layer of magic to an already memorable film.

In terms of criticisms, the film's plot can be a bit formulaic at times, and some may find the film's reliance on physical comedy to be a little over-the-top. However, these are minor quibbles, and the overall quality of the film more than makes up for any flaws.

In conclusion, "Home Alone" is a classic holiday film that is just as enjoyable to watch in 2021 as it was when it was first released in 1990. With a perfect blend of humor and heart, excellent performances, and a memorable score, the film is sure to bring joy to audiences of all ages. So turn on the Christmas lights and settle in for a fun-filled evening of holiday movie magic.