Sometimes, a film catapults to a rare cultural pinnacle out of nowhere. While filmmakers and executives pour hours into each production, no one can truly replicate the indescribable alchemy that breeds a touchstone endeavor. The 1990 Christmas classic “Home Alone” is a quintessential example of this phenomenon. The spirited John Hughes-produced feature jumped through various pre-production hoops before becoming a box office juggernaut, with its beloved status only growing fonder as the years go by.
You may be shocked to learn that I’ve never seen “Home Alone,” a fact that stunned my girlfriend to her core. To rectify this glaring movie mistake, my partner and I ventured to the recent “Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin” tour stop in Massachusetts at the Chevalier Theater. The series spotlights a warm and welcoming tour through yesteryear, starting with a “Home Alone” screening before Culkin appears on stage for an hour-long Q&A section.
I can see why “Home Alone” is seen as a shining star on the holiday movie tree. The simple yet enticing premise whisks audiences into the mindset of Kevin McCallister, a precocious, headstrong kid who yearns for the freedoms of adulthood. As his family breathlessly hustles to an international vacation, Kevin ironically gets his wish when his family leaves him behind. Kevin basks in days of junk food parades and silly shenanigans until he discovers that the so-called “Wet Bandits” are eyeing his house for their next robbery.
The film is simply a delight. Director Chris Columbus and screenwriter John Hughes instill great poise and refinement into what seems like a simple film at first glance. Sure, the movie scratches the madcap slapstick itch of seeing two bumbling bandits fall victim to a MacGyver-minded kid, yet I would argue that is not its only charm. I think “Home Alone” stands the test of time because it embodies the adolescent Christmas experience. In his isolation, Kevin grows to appreciate the holidays as a time when family and togetherness are far more significant than any toy that could be under the tree. Kevin will forever resonate as an icon, with Culkin’s remarkable gifts as a comedic performer creating a distinct yet endlessly relatable character that connects to audiences of all ages.
I felt grateful to experience “Home Alone” for the first time in a theatrical setting. The film plays like gangbusters with a lively crowd; audience members erupted in applause during every heart-tugging moment and generated a laugh tidal wave during the third-act hijinks. In an era where modern comedies unceremoniously linger on streaming, those moments of collective reverence are becoming a lot more rare. The infectious energy emanating from a resounding crowdpleaser like “Home Alone” always reminds me why movies can be so special.
Once the credits rolled, Culkin took the stage for a night of reflection and playful banter. Culkin dispensed several interesting movie magic tidbits, such as much of “Home Alone” being filmed at a shuttered high school gymnasium and the director searching across hundreds of elementary schools before settling on Culkin as Kevin.
Perhaps the funniest banter from Culkin’s reflections on co-star Joe Pesci, better known as the maniacal madman mobster from “Goodfellas.” Culkin warmly discussed a few behind-the-scenes instances that perfectly captured Pesci’s distinct persona. One time, Pesci accidentally bit Culkin’s finger during a terse scene. Pesci found himself stuck in panic and shock, thinking Culkin would likely tattle to the director. Culkin never did, earning him some genuine wise-guy respect from Pesci. After filming “Home Alone 2,” Pesci offered the then 12-year-old Culkin to share a bottle of luxury liquor with him. Culkin politely declined, but remembers this moment as a great reflection of Pesci’s one-in-a-kind personality.
Celebrities can easily sleepwalk through these appearances, especially in Culkin’s case, given that this was the last leg of a long tour. However, Culkin remained engaged and incredibly sincere, with his stories painting a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a beloved production. What I found most intriguing from Culkin’s discussions was his relationship with the movie. He hinted that carrying the “Home Alone” legacy sometimes felt like a curse that limited his career options. Now, as an adult, Culkin embraces the movie more as a blessing, particularly when watching with his young kids, who still do not know that their dad is on screen.
I had a blast at the “Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin” screening, and I can now see why “Home Alone” has stood the test of time as an indelible holiday movie classic.
