Humor is a poor substitute for intelligence

Rating: Null/10 (9 August 2003)

First off, I would like to say that John Hughes has fallen in ability since Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. This movie is a shining example of that. My sister saw it when it was first released in 1990 and told me that "it sucked", she was in third grade. I didn't see it until last week and can almost agree with that, but not totally. As far as so-called 'Holiday movies' go, Die Hard and Gremlins will remain my pop culture mainstay.
Home Alone racks up plot holes faster than the Wet Bandits fall down. They are so dumb that they make the Three Stooges look like the Untouchables. To think that Joe Pesci belittles himself into a role like this is beyond my belief. Being outsmarted by an eight-year-old is not the best thing to include on his film resume. The film would have ended a good 30 minutes earlier if Kevin had acted like a normal kid and don't the smart thing instead of being a defensive snot.
Chris Columbus has always had a fascination with kiddie comedies and this is not his best effort. Thankfully he is not so much in the pursuit of money (as with Harry Potter) as he is with the pursuit of political correctness. It's not surprising that the script it Hughes' work, there are so many of his little touches throughout.
If I can say one good thing about this movie, it's the music. John Williams KNOWS how to write music and this movie is a perfect example. The film certainly has a nice Christmas ring that contrasts with the ever cloudy skies.
Overall, there are good movies for the holidays and good movies for kids. This one might fit their bill, but everyone else will find it to be a watch-checker after a while. 2 out of 5 stars.