Home Alone (1990)
C. – 103m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Chris Columbus. Writer: John Hughes
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Roberts Blossom, Catherine O’Hara, Gerry Bamman, John Candy, Kieran Culkin, Bill Erwin, Hope Davis, Lionel Barrymore and Quinn Culkin.
A boy is accidentally left home alone near Christmas when his family goes on a trip. While they are away he must fend off thieves. Goofy as heck but a classic to watch annually at Christmas time! Oscar® nominated for: Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Score, John Williams. Additionally it was nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Picture – Comedy Or Musical and Best Actor In A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical – Macaulay Culkin.
Trivia: Joe Pesci kept forgetting he was making a family film so Columbus suggested, “Fridge,” in stead of the “F” word. Robert De Niro turned down the role of Harry, which went to his pal Pesci. Danny DeVito was also considered for playing Harry. Daniel Stern slipped in the “S” word while retrieving his boot through the dog door. John Candy improvised all his lines. Macaulay Culkin adlibbed the line, “You guys give up, or are you thirsty for more?”.
Rated: [PG]
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)
C. – 120m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen.
A.K.A.: Home Alone II: Lost In New York City, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York City, Home Alone II, Home Alone 2, Alone Again
Dir.: Chris Columbus. Writer: John Hughes.
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Gerry Bamman, Kieran Culkin, Tim Curry, Eddie Bracken, Rob Schneider, Donald J. Trump and Chis Columbus.
When Kevin McCallister hops on the wrong flight, while his family is on another, he finds himself alone in New York City. Who does he meet? The Wet Bandits from the first film, now The Sticky Bandits. An intelligent sequel and semi-remake. Everyone is in top form. Particularly Pesci and Stern! The bricks off the top of the roof scene is gaspingly hilarious. It is reported that The Plaza Hotel has the carpet torn out of the lobby so that Macaulay Culkin could slip on it. Trump liked it so much, he never had the carpet replaced.
Rated: [PG] – Comic Action & Mild Language.
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.
Home Alone 3 (1997)
C. – 102m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Home Alone III
Writer: John Hughes
Starring: Scarlett Johansson
A kid left home alone (the title, duh!) fends of thieves who are after a secret chip in his toy car. Contrived but entertaining in title sequel to the first two films. It failed to procure Macaulay Culkin and suffers a bit for it. However, it is worth noting this was one of the early big roles for Scarlett Johansson.
Rated: [PG] – Slapstick Violence, Language & Mild Sensuality
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy
Home Alone 4 (2002)
C. – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen. – Made For TV.
A.K.A.: Home Alone: Taking Back The House, Home Alone IV
Co–Writer: John Hughes (Characters)
Starring: Barbara Babcock and Missi Pyle
After Kevin McCallister’s parents split he is living with his mom and decides to do Christmas with his dad at his father’s girlfriend’s mansion. Meanwhile Marv from the first two films teams with a new criminal and guess which house they are after. A made for TV sequel that skips the third film. Interesting premise is somewhat muddled and the lack of Daniel Stern as Marv sinks this one to a low rating. Not terrible but the script could have used some punching up. As Stern said it is an “insult and a piece of trash.”
Available on DVD & Digital Copy.
Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012)
C. – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen. – Made For TV
A.K.A.: Home Alone V: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone 5: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone V, Home Alone 5
Dir.: Peter Hewitt
Starring: Malcolm McDowell and Edward Asner
A kid who moved from California to Maine with his family is left along with his sister in their house, which he feels is haunted, while thieves target the house. Another in title only sequel made for TV. The fact that someone decided to do this charmless film, despite the passing of the series writer John Hughes, is appalling. A must miss!
Available on DVD & Digital Copy.