Anarchic Family Fun

Rating: 9/10 (6 June 2012)

The night before eight year old Kevin and his family are due to depart for their Christmas holidays in Paris he misbehaves and is sent to bed early; feeling hard done by he wishes they would disappear. In the morning events conspire to cause a rushed departure and Kevin is accidentally left behind in the panic; when he wakes up his wish has come true! His parents meanwhile have discovered their mistake and are struggling desperately to find a way to get back to Chicago. With nobody to look after him Kevin quickly learns to look after himself. Meanwhile Harry and Marv, a pair of burglars, are robbing houses in the area and the one they consider the best target is Kevin's; he will have to be extra smart if he is to prevent a robbery. On the first night he tricks them into believing there is a party on but he won't be so lucky the next time but the neither will Harry and Marv; by the time they return Kevin has prepared an interesting welcome for them; one that will leave them bleeding, burnt, bruised and battered!
When I first watched this film over twenty years ago I was surprised just how much I laughed and watching it again now it is just as funny; the early part of the film has a decent number of laughs but later on when the attempted burglary takes place it is hysterically funny in a slightly malicious way; Harry and Marv may be unpleasant criminals but I'm not sure anybody deserves what happens to them! Young Macaulay Culkin does a great job as Kevin; he really managed to carry the film. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern were also entertaining as the two burglars. While it is primarily a comedy there are some touching moments; most notably when Kevin talks to the scary neighbour and learns that he hasn't spoken to his son for years because of a silly argument. Overall I'd say this is a great film that can be enjoyed by young and old alike; definitely one to watch!