Child Abuse

Rating: Null/10 (21 December 2005)

This megahit that made Macaulay Culkin a household name--and still causes me to wince when I'm in the presence of gallon paint cans--is a tightly plotted and very funny tribute to upper middle class child abuse. Chris Columbus helms this ruthlessly crafty comedy, and from the moment the house lights go down, it's pedal to the metal.
What makes this movie ultimately work is the room-temperature-IQ criminals Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. They're so good you stop listening to the little voice in your head that keeps saying that Culkin's character, Kevin, is the victim of child abuse and neglect.
If you don't stop listening to that voice, you'll probably leave the movie with a damp face from laughing so hard and a sour taste in your mouth.
Home Alone is a giant, cruel joke. But it is funny. I'd suggest some mouth wash as the end credits are rolling.