Home Alone - 9 stars out of 10

Home Alone - 9 stars out of 10

What a classic!  John Hughes writes a story about every child's dream... and then reminds us to be careful what you wish for.  The fun never stops, even when the conflict escalates.  "Home Alone" is the complete package, blending slapstick humor that appeals to kids and adults, clever quotable dialogue, antics that bring out the kid in anyone, two buffoon bad guys that you'll love to see get beat up, and a partridge in a pear tree.  I still remember seeing this in the theater at age 5 and have loved it ever since.  All of the characters are relatable, particularly Catherine O'Hara as the loving mother, Macaulay Culkin as the youngest sibling that gets blamed for everything, and John Candy as the kind stranger filled with the Christmas spirit.  Even though it's fun to see the character development of Kevin as he grows in responsibility and character (and to see him trick the pizza guy), the highlight of this film is the booby-trapped house as Marv and Harry get beat up for the final half-hour.  The script is gritty enough to avoid that Hallmark Channel feel, while still being family friendly and teaching some important moral lessons about judging others by their looks and the importance of family.  "Home Alone" may take place during the Christmas season but this film focuses on family instead of the Christmas spirit.  You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you'll probably shed a few tears at the end in this holiday classic.