Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone (1990) is a classic family comedy that follows the misadventures of an eight-year-old boy, Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas.
## Plot Summary
Family Chaos
The film begins with the McCallister family preparing for their trip to Paris. Amidst the chaos of a large family gathering, Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, is often teased and bullied by his older siblings and cousins. After a confrontation with his brother Buzz leads to Kevin being sent to the attic as punishment, he wishes that his family would disappear.
The Mistake
That night, a power outage causes the alarm clocks to reset, leading the family to oversleep. In their rush to get to the airport, they forget Kevin, who wakes up to find the house empty. Believing his wish has come true, he revels in his newfound freedom.
Burglars on the Loose
As Kevin enjoys his time alone, he learns about two burglars, Harry and Marv, known as the “Wet Bandits,” who are targeting homes in his neighborhood. Initially frightened by stories of his reclusive neighbor, Old Man Marley, Kevin soon realizes he must defend his home when he overhears Harry and Marv plotting to rob the McCallister house.
Kevin’s Defense
Kevin sets up an elaborate series of booby traps throughout the house to thwart the burglars. When Harry and Marv break in on Christmas Eve, they fall victim to Kevin’s traps, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and injuries.
Family Reunion
Meanwhile, Kevin’s mother, Kate, realizes mid-flight that her son is home alone. After various attempts to return to Chicago fail due to booked flights and downed phone lines, she eventually gets a ride back with Gus Polinski, a polka band leader.
In the climax, after a chaotic chase through the house and an unexpected intervention from Old Man Marley—who helps capture Harry and Marv—the police arrive and arrest the burglars.
Conclusion
On Christmas morning, Kevin is initially disappointed that his family is still away but is overjoyed when they finally return home. The film ends on a heartwarming note as Kevin watches Marley reunite with his estranged family, reflecting themes of love and reconciliation during the holiday season.