A Christmas treat, as good as the first Home Alone movie

Rating: 7/10 (25 December 2014)

I am not familiar with the original Home Alone, although this sequel is a pleasant family film.
The story is basic but with a twist: Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin)is not left home alone for Christmas but manages to get to the airport with his family - only to board the wrong plane and fly to New York City, instead of Florida, where his family has retreated to. Kevin is overjoyed to have the world of New York City as his playground, and checks in the nice Plaza Hotel. However, Kevin is being watched closely by the suspicious hotel clerk (Tim Curry). In addition, the Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci & Daniel Stern) have broken out of prison and coincidentally end up in New York City, planning to rob a major toy store.
The humor in this film consists of over-the-top comical violence/slapstick but nonetheless not cruelly inappropriate for a kid's movie. Although the plot sounds like a carbon copy of the original Home Alone, the Christmas/holiday feel makes up for it. John William's score is more developed for this franchise, and more delightful and Disney-like. The setting of New York City and the Plaza hotel is incredible.