Home Alone, Family, and Hope in Unexpected Places and People

Home Alone was released in theaters on November 16th, 1990. It has become a timeless classic and a tradition to watch the film with family and loved ones.

The film follows Kevin McCallister, who was left behind while his family travels to France for Christmas vacation. He made a wish that his family would disappear after being frustrated with the way he was treated while getting himself into trouble. When Kevin is discovered not with the family, Kate, his mother, travels back to make sure that he is safe.

While Kevin is home alone, his neighborhood is robbed by a pair of burglars known as the Wet Bandits. After learning that the robbers were going to target his home, Kevin sets up the ultimate booty trap.  He would help the police catch them.

By Christmas Day, Kevin is reunited with his whole family as they enjoy a snowy Christmas together.

The timeless Christmas classic does offer some lessons of faith.

You’re Never Alone

While Kevin was the “man of the house”, he never felt like he was alone. He befriends a Samaritan named Marley, whom Kevin only knows through rumors. At first, Kevin was afraid of him.

Then, on Christmas Eve, he struck up a conversation with Marley as they had parallel stories about their families. Marley would even save Kevin from the burglars who were close to murdering him.

Love and Mercy

Kevin and Marley talked about their family problems. For Kevin, it pertained to how he hasn’t been behaving and has always been getting in trouble. Meanwhile, Marley’s main reason for going to church was to see his granddaughter singing during Mass as he shared about a feud he had with his son. Kevin encouraged him to reach out to him.  

When Kate, Kevin’s mom, journeyed home, she approached Kevin with love. As for Marley, he made amends with his father and shared Christmas as Kevin witnessed the reunion.

Hope Never Disappoints

My favorite scene in the movie is the airport scene that comes before the climactic booby trap. Kate reaches the airport on Christmas Eve to discover that there are no flights to Chicago. She doesn’t give up. The most famous line from the scene is when Kate tells the ticket agent that Christmas is a season of “perpetual hope”.

That’s when a man named Gus stepped in. Gus shared with Kate how his band is trying to get back to Milwaukee and offered her a ride to Chicago.  In the end, she made it home in blizzard-like conditions to find her son.

Home Alone is a timeless classic. Since I was a boy, I always look forward to this movie. Whether it be the hysterical scream from Marv, the mom who never gave up, or when a stranger shows up when we least expect it, Home Alone has stood the test of time.

Home Alone gets 4.5 out of 5.