Christmas Film Reviews: “Home Alone”

This entry hardly needs an introduction. The “Home Alone” franchise made its start twenty five years ago and has become one of the most prolific Christmas traditions. Child star Macaulay Culkin graces its original instalment as young Kevin McCallister – an eight-year-old grump who has trouble dealing with an overcrowded family. Chris Collumbus, a known name in the world of production, made a step in directing this project and has harvested worldwide reputation from it. The very first festive video cassette I owned happened to be “Home Alone” and it brings me great nostalgia to say – here’s the long-overdue review.

The McCallisters are going on vacation to Paris and everything is set – luggage, cousins, aunties and pizza. A staggering fifteen people wonder about the Illinois home the day before Christmas eve, buzzing like bees for their big adventure. Among them is young Kevin, who seems to always get the raw end of the deal. Upon being punished for causing chaos, he wishes his family would simply disappear.That desire is fulfilled when the boy gets left behind next morning in the rush to a late airport drive. Life suddenly becomes a party for the kid, who has waited for an opportunity like this years in time. However, a pair of local robbers also have plans for Kevin’s home and they’d travel great lengths in fulfilling them. When nightfall comes, they make a move, not expecting the child to fight back in a determined attempt to defend his castle. From then on, it is a fast-track rollercoaster through laughter and excitement as both sides try to even the score. Will Kevin get his family back in time for Christmas day? Will he regret having pushed them away in the first place? One thing’s for sure, the Wet Bandits will receive everything they deserve that holiday, burns and bruises included.

Macaulay Culkin’s star made a breakthrough with the “Home Alone” empire, launching the child’s career into A-list heights. It has since died down, but not before making his face a household image. Culkin’s performance has been appraised by spectators and critics for a reason. We see the innocence and naïvety of every child seep through, complimented by grand fantasies and painful realisations. A character and performance we can truly identify with, presented on a platter of catchy Christmas tunes and flickering faery lights.

Catherine O’Hara is a panicky, fidget-prone Kate McCallister, whose most memorable scene breaks the fourth wall of cinema. “We forgot Kevin!”, she shouts on her flight to Paris, having realised the unimaginable, yet hilarious gaff. That line has become so iconic, it has sprouted a boy band and a fandom.

Chances are I wouldn’t need to sell this film, because most of you have already fallen in love with it. However, it would’t hurt to try. There’s laughter, there’s tears, there’s the heartbreakingly sweet story of Old Man Marley and the adorable Gus Polinski’s polka group. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are the Wet Bandit duo, a thieving pair of dimwits, who get made into complete fools by young Kevin. Both actors are exceptionally believable, portraying finely grated stupidity and undying ambition for their task.

All in all, “Home Alone” has almost everything you’d need in a perfect Christmas film, albeit having missed Santa Clause himself. It’s a heart-warming reminder of our families’ importance in the homeliest celebration of them all.

Naturally, I recommend a cheese pizza with this gem, and maybe a cup of chocolate milk for the soul.

Stay awesome! Four days to go.

Megs x

Film Review: Nightcrawler (2014)

Dan Gilroy’s debut into the world of directing has left audiences gasping around the globe. Their seats tremble with anticipation as this psychological thriller unwraps and unravels. Supported by critically acclaimed actor Jake Gyllenhaal and a secondary cast featuring Bill Paxton avec Kent Shockneck, the picture could easily become your favourite Friday night.

Its plot line revolves around a young unemployed man by the name of Louis, or Lou, (Gyllenhaal). He desperately tries to find an environment that would accept him, although all efforts remain fruitless. Until one dark night when fate replies in the sight of a car crash. From the blood and guts a passion is born. An on-the-edge obsession with filming gruesome crime scenes and selling them for profit slowly devours Lou. The beautiful woman behind Chanel 6 loves making business, his young partner is consumed with doubts and all of this is accompanied by aching moral dilemmas. Is it worth keeping friends when the night awaits? Or are the ever-expecting homicides and police sirens all a psychopath would need?

You’re gonna have to watch it and find out. Expect a brilliant script full of snappy conversation. The fluid speech, also written by Gilroy, keeps the attention on point while shocking with its sharp tongue. Visually, the film is stunning, offering a wide variety of picturesque establishing shots. Prepare for a grand view of the Los Angeles horizon, which is just as empty and attractive as Lou himself. Cinematographer Robert Elswit has taken care of a matching colour scheme, which relies on saturated and cold colours, thereby amplifying the severity of crime journalism. Brace the squeamish around you for a fair share of blood and injuries. With the progression of the story graphic scenery increases, culminating at the very end, when a case makes or breaks Lou’s career. Touching briefly on production design, an effort has been made to leave a retro aesthetic behind. Perhaps a tiny ode to the classic film noir mood.

Gyllenhaal’s performance is riveting. Although we daren’t expected anything less after his work on low profile flicks such as “Enemy” and “Prisoners”. His eyes remain haunting throughout, piercing through the lens. A half grin sneaks in to add a menacing effect even further. The shy mannerisms of a psychopath are subtle enough to give you the creeps, but not enough to classify as horror. That is the reality of this character, just resting on the border of love and hate, admiration and disgust.

Overall, “Nightcrawler” is a great piece of cinematic thriller. Sinister both verbally and visually, with a hint of sexuality and threat. The twists and turns will keep you engaged throughout, while the fast-pawed dialogue carries the character development forward at an escalating pace. A perfect film for any evening in, cuddle with some popcorn and enjoy the ride.