Home Alone is a holiday classic from a simpler time. Back when cheesiness was normal and nauseating wholesomeness was all the rage, Home Alone excelled. The film's massive success is both obvious and perplexing because it is as safe as possible. Empty familial platitudes and buffoonish threats give the illusion of a journey without challenging audiences. It's warm, cozy, and topped off with cartoonish violence. What did Kevin and his family really learn? Will Kevin continue to be neglected? Did any character actually arc? Despite wanting to buy into the sentimentality, some viewers might find Home Alone hollow.
These feelings extend to the actual filmmaking of Home Alone as well. The cinematography throws in some shadows, POVs, and framing, but the visuals are mostly rudimentary. The same goes for the editing, production, and sound, all of which rarely enhance the experience. The effects are memorable but fairly simple, and the direction is cohesive but generic. Undoubtedly, the music is the greatest strength of Home Alone because it carries all the emotional weight that the film is selling. Ultimately, Home Alone is an adequate movie that broke through as an icon.
Writing: 6/10
Direction: 7/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 7.0/10
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