Quick Reviews!!

Rating: 8/10 (11 January 2005)

Easily the best Christmas movie for kids growing up in the eighties and nineties, and deserves to be mentioned along side the classics from previous decades. For kids, the movie has everything- action, excitement, humour, and for everyone else the story and acting are engaging. The idea of being left Home Alone for a while, especially after your relatives have been so annoying, will appeal to kids as they will have peace to do anything they want and let their imaginations fly. Cue lots of ice cream and sled rides down stairs. The film shows depth by letting us see the initial down side to being alone- the house can be scary when it gets dark, and you know your parents are not there to help. The plot sees the massive Macallister (spelling?) family planning to go on holiday for Christmas. After a pizza incident at the dinner table, young Kevin is sent to bed and locked in. The next morning there is a rush, and the family leave for the airport without Kevin, only realising what has happened when they are on the plane. They try to find a way home, but this is not easy as it's Chritmas. Meanwhile, two crooks plan to rob the Macallister house, knowing it's empty, but soon realise that Kevin is inside. Kevin sees that it is up to him to protect his house, and begins setting up traps for the intruders. What follows is great entertainment. Yes it may be soppy, but it is a family Christmas film. It is much smarter than you may think, probably accounting for much of its great success, and the acting, particularly from Culkin and Pesci, is impressive. The set pieces are ingenious, ensuring that every 10 year old boy will come up with their own ways to stop bad guys. O'Hara is also good while the rest of the cast, in small roles do well. 8 out of 10