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Classic Movie Monday (Christmas Edition): Home Alone

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For most kids growing up in the 90s, Home Alone was THE Christmas movie to watch. This is the story of Kevin, an 8-year old kid who gets forgotten at home when the entire family leaves to Paris for the holidays. As a result, he has to fend for himself while also protecting his home from intruders. Macaulay Culkin as Kevin was a representation of what most kids wanted to be, which was totally independent and the smartest guy in the room.
            There are certain films that you can watch and no matter how much time has passed, it still feels like a story you could tell today in the exact same way as it was told back then. This is not one of those films. Home Alone very clearly a product of its time. It’s like digging up a time capsule from the 90s and seeing what the world, or just movies in general, were like. The entire premise and the way it all unfolds would probably never work in today’s world. I mean it barely worked in 1990 when it was made, but that’s part of its charm. Home Alone is just the right amount of ridiculousness to provide for a great experience for the family to watch around Christmas.
            If for whatever reason, you’ve never seen Home Alone and are looking for reasons as to why you should, here are a few:

1    1. It’s a very quotable film. We all love movies that we can quote in our daily lives. That’s one of the things that make certain films live on forever. After watching this film, you’ll be wanting to say, “Keep the change, ya filthy animal!” at every possible opportunity.
2    2. The comedy still works. This might be a 27-year-old film, but the jokes and physical comedy still holds up. Not that 27 makes this an ancient film, but there are comedies much more recent than that whose jokes stop being funny after just a couple of years. Thankfully, though, Home Alone is still a treat to watch.
3    3. It actually has a very positive message. Despite how ridiculous and silly the story might seem, it actually has some very nice things to say about the importance of family. Kevin’s misfortunes begin after famously saying, “I hope I never see any of you jerks again” to his mom. After being left behind, Kevin comes to the realization that he does need his family. Along the way, he even learns how to be a better family member. Home Alone gets this message across a lot better than I thought it would and it is honestly kind of impressive.


Home Alone is definitely a must-watch this Christmas. It’s longevity and cultural influence (so many quotes, gifs, as well as being the highest-grossing Christmas film of all-time) makes me see this as a Christmas classic. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend that you do. It’s a guaranteed good time. While you watch remember to go easy on the Pepsi!
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