An Anomaly of the Genre

Rating: 6/10 (18 December 2001)

Take a cheeky eight-year-old, put him in a situation he has to slapstick his way out of with the kind of antics most cartoon characters wouldn't survive, and what you have is one of the most wildly popular, commercially successful comedies of all time. And when it's over, though most likely you'll have had a good time, you'll be tempted to ask the question: Why? Because `Home Alone,' directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, is mediocre at best, though it does have it's moments. It's a matter of the filmmakers being very astute, perhaps, and wisely mixing in a potpourri of elements with universal appeal and touching upon that common nerve they calculated would give just about anyone in the audience something to which they could relate. And they were right. Kids, Christmas, family, vacation, independence, a scary situation; it's all in here. But, interestingly enough, it lacks the sentimental value that would seemingly have made this a movie one could truly embrace. As it is, it's engaging fare, but somehow manages to keep the viewer at arm's length. Then again, maybe that's even part of the appeal; it may be that audiences at this particular time and place were more comfortable just watching without having to invest anything of themselves in order to have a good time.
This was, after all, 1990, and this film played to a generation weaned on more than a decade of Saturday Night Live, whose keen sense of biting satire and parody definitely had an influence on the mind-set of audiences everywhere. And is that a bad thing? No, absolutely not. It merely points up one possible reason why a film centered around an eight-year-old with a somewhat derisive attitude could be so wholeheartedly received. Also, it may be that the second half of the film, with it's over-the-top slapstick, is what made the final impression on the audience. And this IS funny stuff; and it's going to get to even those who usually prefer humor that doesn't involve slapstick, because it's so well done. Again, credit the filmmakers with having their fingers on the pulse of our culture and standards at the time. But you also have to give credit to Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern who bring the `Wet Bandits,' Harry and Marv, to life, and know how to put across this kind of comedy, which is no easy task.
The story itself is simple: The extended McCallister family sets off for a Christmas vacation in Paris, and inadvertently, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) gets left behind. Left alone. At home. Where, rising to the occasion beyond anything even the most prodigious teenager could manage, he discovers the thrill of being independent and thwarts a pair of bungling burglars in the balance. Meanwhile, mom and dad (Catherine O'Hara as Kate, John Heard as Peter) go out of their minds when they get to Paris and discover what has happened. If only they knew what an ingenious and imaginative son they had...
Culkin is certainly a cute kid, but can he act? Well, the jury is still out on that one. It's hard to say, since the dialogue he is given is so ridiculously above that of an eight-year-old, and the situations he encounters are so far-fetched, that there is no real frame of reference by which to consider it objectively. His timing and rhythm are lacking, however, that much is clear. His responses-- or, if you will, the punch lines he delivers-- are always a beat behind what they should be. And it robs the humor of the spontaneity that would have made it funnier, even hilarious. As it is, the only real laughs come from Kevin's assault on the Wet Bandits, and there are plenty to be had there.
Pesci and Stern become the real stars of the show as they play out their slapstick antics, which are truly deserving of the laughs they generate. Their expressions of incredulity in the face of the violence that is visited upon them is what makes this movie. Everything else merely sets the stage for Harry and Marv's descent into the maelstrom. And what Pesci and Stern do here should not be taken for granted, nor taken lightly artistically. To put this kind of humor across takes some real talent on the part of consummate professionals, and Pesci and Stern certainly deliver it. Their secret? They play it straight, which keeps the silliness out of it. Had they played it strictly as farce, it simply wouldn't have had the same impact; but by playing to the characters in the situation, rather than to a situation involving characters, it works. And, once again, chalk up another one for Columbus and Hughes, who really know how to deliver this kind of material.
The only truly poignant moment in the film involves Kevin's encounter with a mysterious neighbor, `Old Man Marley,' played wonderfully by character actor/poet Roberts Blossom. The revelation of his secret earlier in the film sets up the purest moment of the ending, and though it is brief, it's inspired and adds a much needed perspective to the story.
The supporting cast includes Devin Ratray (Buzz), Angela Goethals (Linnie), Gerry Bamman (Uncle Frank), Hillary Wolf (Aunt Leslie), Ralph Foody (Gangster Johnny), Billie Bird (Irene), Bill Erwin (Ed) and John Candy, memorable in the role of Gus Polinski, the Polka Band shuttle Chief. Considering the ratio between this movie's substance and the success it still enjoys today, `Home Alone' is something of an anomaly in the history of the genre. it lacks insight, yet delivers some real belly laughs. It lacks a single character the audience can truly embrace, yet is accepted overwhelmingly as is. It lacks inspiration, yet is an inspired film in the way it is crafted and delivered. It's one you're probably going to like and enjoy, but upon reflection may wonder, `Why.' And the answer? Who can say. Go figure. It's the magic of the movies. 6/10.