As a seasoned cinephile and connoisseur of all things cinema, I must say that _Home Alone_ is a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of mere entertainment. It’s a film that delights both children and adults alike, with its cleverly crafted plot twists and endearing characters.
Despite countless attempts by other filmmakers, no one may ever surpass the excellence of the Christmas movie “Home Alone,” which was directed by Chris Columbus 34 years ago. To this day, it continues to be a must-watch for families globally during the holiday season. What sets it apart? While the humor isn’t revolutionary, it resonates with familiar anxieties. Every child dreads being left alone at Christmas, and every parent fears leaving their child behind. However, what truly makes it stand out is that it offers a fantasy where wrongdoers face severe consequences. Such a society would be one we all aspire to live in.
We all remember most things about Home Alone, whether it is Kevin running circles around the burglars or Uncle Frank being a prick on the morning the family leaves. However, there are several little details in the movie you might have missed. If you plan on watching the comedy again this Christmas, make sure you have an eye and ear out for these hidden things, as they will definitely make you cherish the ‘90s gem more.
10
The Van’s Exhaust
In one scene from the film, it is depicted that the Wet Bandits, following a burglary, find themselves quarreling inside their vehicle. As they are about to leave, young Kevin steps into the road unexpectedly, causing them to abruptly stop their car to prevent a collision with him.
The Scene was Filmed in Reverse
The scene appears to have been shot differently, as it could have been risky since we couldn’t predict if the actors would stop in time. Instead, it seems that the exhaust fumes were directed into the van rather than exiting it. This suggests that the filming was done in reverse, meaning the driver was actually moving away from Macaulay Culkin instead of approaching him.
9
Roman Emperors
The pizza delivery person arriving at the McCallister residence is employed by a fictitious restaurant called Little Nero’s, which is a clever play on the real-life pizza chain known as Little Caesar’s. Interestingly, both establishments share a connection since they are named after Roman rulers; just like Caesar, Nero was a notable leader and the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from 54 AD to 68 AD.
Nero Was What the French Call “Les incompétents”
At the beginning of the film, Nero says to Kevin, “You’re what the French call ‘the incompetents.'” However, it would be more fitting for those words to apply to all the other characters since everyone in the movie is inept (even the burglars). That includes Nero as well. This paraphrase aligns with the fictional world of “Home Alone” where everyone, including Kevin, is seen as being incompetent at one point or another.
Historians often refer to him as one of the empire’s most notoriously corrupt rulers due to his alleged actions. It is said that he may have started the Great Fire of Rome, which gave him an opportunity to demolish land and construct his grand architectural project known as the “Golden House.” Amusingly, while the city was ablaze, he is believed to have remained indifferent, instead choosing to play a flute during the disaster. Interestingly, the logo on top of the modern delivery vehicle bearing his nickname “Little Nero” reads “No Time for Fooling!
8
The Family Has a Dog
Incorporating a dog into the movie “Home Alone” would have added an extra layer of charm. Moreover, a dog would have been quite helpful in thwarting the Wet Bandits. While no canine companion is shown on screen, there are hints that suggest the McCallister family had a pet. For instance, when Marv (Daniel Stern) enters the house, he loses a shoe through what seems to be a dog door. Later, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) fires his BB gun from the same area.
The Dog Didn’t Belong to the Previous House Owner
It’s not definitive that the flap indicates the McCallisters own a dog. The pet could have belonged to the prior homeowner. However, the movie’s opening scene seems to provide a clear answer. During the bustle of preparation for their trip, someone is overheard mentioning something related to a pet, suggesting that they do indeed have one.
“Nope, we’re leaving the dog behind – we put him up at a kennel instead… Come on now, move it! Out of here, Kevin. Out of the room!
It’s clear that the McCallister family does own a dog, but their lack of concern is evident since we never witness Kevin taking care of it, such as by feeding it. What a pity!
7
Uncle Rob and Aunt Georgette
In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin finds himself exploring New York City. At one point, he chooses to go see the residence of his Uncle Rob (Ray Toler) and Aunt Georgette (Virginia Smith).
Hi there! Uncles Rob and Aunt Georgette, or is anyone else at home? Greetings from your beloved nephew, Kevin!
Sadly, it seems that the house is currently being remodeled, as they are allegedly away from town. Nevertheless, it eventually serves as Kevin’s new hideout, where he confronts the Wet Bandits once more.
The Couple Appears in ‘Home Alone’
I firmly believe that my Uncle Rob and Aunt Georgette embody the essence of family bonding. Though I don’t get to interact with them in the second movie, they leave a lasting impression in “Home Alone.” During a heartwarming scene where Uncle Frank is enjoying a meal with his kin, Uncle Rob and Aunt Georgette are subtly present, adorning their Christmas tree in the background. In a playful moment, Georgette gently chides Frank for indulging too soon, reminding him of their plans to save some shrimp for later – a testament to their thoughtfulness and love within the family.
6
A Remark by Kevin Dad Foreshadows One of the Key Traps
As Kevin talks to his dad, Peter (John Heard), in the movie’s opening minutes, Peter reminds Kevin to pick up the Micro Machines (a line of toys originally made by Galoob in the ‘80s and ‘90s) that he left in the hallway since someone just slipped on them. Well, when the two burglars try to run after Kevin later in the movie, they also slip on the tiny toys and fall.
Kevin Sure Doesn’t Listen to His Parents
Despite being known for his intellectual prowess in cinema, the Micro Machine incident shows us that Kevin isn’t always the most polite child. A well-behaved kid would have obeyed his father and picked up the toys, but Kevin chose to leave them behind. However, we can’t blame him for this. In fact, his disobedience in this instance worked out quite favorably for him. Had he not left the toys, the burglars might have caught up with him more quickly.
5
Smart Kevin Can’t Spell “Ornaments”
Much like a general preparing for battle, Kevin sketches out a strategic layout on a big sheet to guide him in confronting the Wet Bandits. This diagram encompasses various traps he’s set up throughout the house. On one side of the plan, you’ll see that he has designated Christmas ornaments as vital components of his strategy. However, instead of calling them “ornaments,” he’s referred to them as “ornamints.
Kevin Is Still Learning
Kevin might not know how to spell ornaments, but he sure knows how to use them. The little details remind us that the protagonist might be braver and more proactive than most adults, but he is not yet the complete package. He is still an eight-year-old kid, learning little things and behaving the way someone of his age ought to. He is not allowed to know the spelling of every single word. After all, he isn’t Akeela.
4
Still on Ornaments
During their chat, Kevin excitedly discusses the handmade Christmas ornaments he’s been creating with his dad’s latest fishhooks. Curious, Peter asks if Kevin has been utilizing the older hooks or the new ones. Instead of showing nervousness, Kevin boldly reveals that he’s using the new ones since he wouldn’t dare handle the old hooks, which are caked with worm remains.
Useful Weapons
Once again, we have an instance of foreshadowing. As a barefoot Marv tries to enter the house through an open window, he gets a taste of the ornaments. The burglar’s bare feet status is thanks to another of Kevin’s traps that he had just encountered, forcing him to part with his shoes.
Speaking it aloud might dampen the holiday spirit, yet undeniably, Home Alone is quite a violent film. As Marv groans in agony, you find yourself feeling sympathetic towards him. Nevertheless, the scene serves as a demonstration of Kevin’s ingenuity and underscores why exaggerated violence in comedy films can be so effective.
3
Kevin’s Ticket and Passport Are in the Trash Bin
In one of the movie scenes early on, the McCallister family decides to have pizza for dinner. When Kevin finds out his plain cheese slice is gone, taken by his siblings, he gets upset and has a spat with his brother Buzz (Devin Ratray) about it. As they argue, drinks are accidentally spilled and some family members quickly tidy up the mess. In their rush to clean up, Kevin’s passport and plane ticket slip into the garbage bin unnoticed by Peter.
Too Many Things to Sort
The circumstances surrounding Kevin’s absence at the airport made it less conspicuous. If his parents had his passport, they would have attempted to check him in, but upon doing so, discovered he wasn’t present. To complicate matters further, a mistaken head count was taken as the vans were being loaded. A neighbor’s child was inadvertently included in the total, and Heather counted herself twice while failing to account for Linnie. All these factors combined created confusion, which facilitated overlooking Kevin’s absence.
2
Everyone Knocks the Statue
In the movie Home Alone, there’s a recurring joke where various characters inadvertently cause the statue next to the McCallister house’s driveway and porch to fall over. The pizza delivery guy knocks it down twice, the family’s van destined for the airport also topples it, and even a police officer checking on Kevin causes it to fall. After Kevin hides, a sound outside is heard, and upon reappearance, we see that the statue has been knocked over once more.
Clumsy Nation
In this story, the gag doesn’t hold much importance for the overall narrative. Instead, it serves as a humorous reminder of everyone’s clumsiness, with the exception of Kevin. It seems that parents often forget their children and drivers, even those with professional roles, tend to knock things over frequently. Interestingly, this trend continues beyond the first movie. For instance, in “Lost in New York,” another airport van accidentally knocks over a statue before transporting a family planning a trip to Miami.
1
Mr. Marley’s Injured Hand
Initially, Mr. Marley (Roberts Blossom) is presented as Kevin’s ominous elderly neighbor living next door, infamous for allegedly slaughtering his own family. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable that Kevin feels apprehensive towards him and prefers to steer clear. However, they cross paths multiple times, which adds to Kevin’s unease. To make matters even more unsettling, Mr. Marley sports a bloodied bandage on his hand, raising questions about his recent activities. So, the question remains, what transpired?
A Miracle Happens
The neighbor could pass as an ‘80s horror villain, but he is nowhere near as evil as his appearance suggests. When Kevin interacts with him, he learns that he is just a man who fell out with his son. Kevin encourages him to reconcile with his son, which he does. Interestingly, when Marley is seen embracing his son and granddaughter the following morning, the injury is completely gone. This thus seems like a symbol, showing how Marley’s biggest problem has been solved.
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2024-12-21 19:02