lots of fun

Rating: Null/10 (18 March 2002)

Rambunctious comedy features Culkin—in a star-making performance—as a troublesome but clever and precocious eight-year-old whose dysfunctional family inadvertently leaves him behind after they leave town for the Christmas holiday. He makes the most of his situation by doing all the things he couldn't do without his family's permission, but then unexpectedly finds himself defending his home from local wet bandits Pesci and Stern. Provides some poignant messages about the importance of family and friendship, but is most likely to be remembered for its hilarious slapstick, goofy bad guys, and a very appealing young star. ***