Before Harry Potter, Christopher Columbus mastered the art of youthful hijinks with Home Alone, a film that blends holiday cheer with Kevin McCallister’s imaginative—and borderline brutal—defense of his home against bumbling burglars.
Starring Macaulay Culkin, with a memorable appearance by his real-life brother Kieran, the 1990 classic follows young Kevin, who is accidentally left behind while his family jets off to Paris for Christmas. Alone in a seemingly quiet neighborhood, Kevin’s peace is interrupted by two burglars, Harry and Marv (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), who target his house. What ensues is a comically violent battle of wits as Kevin transforms his home into a booby-trapped fortress.
Despite its slapstick brutality, the film’s over-the-top antics and broad performances keep the mood lighthearted, creating a holiday staple beloved by audiences.
The Sequel: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
The unexpected success of Home Alone led to a sequel in 1992, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where Kevin once again faces peril after mistakenly boarding a flight to New York City.
This time, the stakes are higher as Kevin navigates the Big Apple, outwits Harry and Marv yet again, and befriends a reclusive pigeon lady in Central Park. With Tim Curry joining the cast as a conniving concierge, the film retains its comedic edge, though it amps up the absurdity of Kevin’s traps.
Donald Trump’s Controversial Cameo
One of the most talked-about moments of Home Alone 2 is Donald Trump’s cameo. The scene takes place in New York’s Plaza Hotel, which Trump owned at the time. According to director Christopher Columbus, Trump agreed to allow filming on the condition that he appear in the movie.
In an interview with Business Insider, Columbus explained:
“We agreed to put him in the movie, and when we screened it for the first time, the oddest thing happened: People cheered when Trump showed up on-screen. So I said to my editor, ‘Leave him in the movie. It’s a moment for the audience.’ But he did bully his way into the movie.”
Trump, however, disputes this account, claiming in a statement on his social media platform (via Rolling Stone):
“I was very busy, and didn’t want to do it. They were very nice, but above all, persistent. I agreed, and the rest is history! That little cameo took off like a rocket, and the movie was a big success, and still is. … That cameo helped make the movie a success.”
While Home Alone was already a blockbuster franchise, Trump’s cameo remains a talking point decades later, sparking debates about his influence on the film.
Home Alone and its sequel continue to charm audiences, especially during the holidays. Kevin’s mischievous resourcefulness and the timeless humor of his traps ensure the series remains a cultural icon, while behind-the-scenes tidbits—like Trump’s cameo drama—add an extra layer of intrigue.
Whether you’re watching for nostalgia or introducing it to a new generation, Home Alone is a cinematic gift that keeps on giving.