The Simple Brilliance Of Home Alone

 Yes there are a several sequels to this one, I even enjoy the second outing for what it is, but I wanted to talk about the first film today and only the first. This holiday classic filled to the brim with cartoony violence but also packed with heart. This film that has one of the most beautiful scores in a holiday movie and through it's simple and quiet moments, make this film a holiday classic giving something for the whole family. Laughs in one moment, and heartfelt warmth in another. I watch this one alongside Elf, and a few others every year and instead of exploring this holiday classic from top to bottom, I wanted to say what it meant to me and why. 

This movie at face value of a kid stopping burglars in comedic ways while also doing everything he wasn't allowed to do can provide a ton of laughs, and for me it still does. But there are moments in this film that stand out to me, and one in particular that I would say is my favorite scene in the film.

Kevin when trying to figure out what to do goes to church, in which he encounters his neighbor who has many scary legends associated with him. As him and Kevin talk the man is shown to be quiet, reserved, and not scary at all but rather have fears of his own. Only being able to see his granddaughter sing in church because he and his son had a terrible falling out. The conversation the two have about fear set to the tune of a Christmas choir is something special. The movie takes a break as it has a couple time, this film has excellent pacing, and just lets the characters be characters. There are still a couple jokes in there but the whole scene is quiet and almost serene.

Two people talking about their fears to each other, and their real feelings about family. The scene doesn't overstay its welcome but it has always stayed with me. The lines about not being too old to be afraid but also not being too old to face your fears is simple yet powerful. The scene ending with the score ramping up as Kevin prepares to confront his.

The story of a mother who loves her son and wants to get home, the comedy interlaced by perfect acting from Catharine O' Hara is simply perfect. As were the performances from everyone with roles big and small in this movie. The score is sweet and charming, knowing when to have quiet moments but also holiday whimsy. The main theme when played towards the end with its big and grand feeling is so well done and every song matches every scene to a tee. 

Speaking of the mother you feel her and Kevin learning to appreciate and care about each other more when they are apart. The film highlights through perfect shots, quiet scenes, and its music their regret and hope to see each other again soon. Building up to what I believe is a perfect last five minutes in any movie ever.  With the bandits defeated and all the slapstick behind us, the movie brings in the love of family during the holiday season as Kevin and his mother reunite. 

At first distant, once apologies are given the score swells and they hug giving us a moment of the movie wrapping up perfectly. The whole family comes home and it seems to be a happy ending. Then the movie makes me almost cry every time with the cherry on the sundae of Kevin walking to the window and seeing his neighbor with his family, having made peace with his son, and hug his granddaughter. The music highlighting this beautiful moment as the two actors just share a simple smile and wave.

This movie has as much heart as it does laughs, perhaps even more, and that is why I will keep coming back to this film, every Christmas season. As for the second one, that bar is a lot lower, it's for Tim Curry. What? No lies on Christmas.