Response to Ellery's Main Blog


            Home Alone has always been a classic.  I do not think that I know a single person who does not like Home Alone.  I mean, what is there to dislike about it?  Ellery is 100% correct in her description of Kevin as an absolute savage.  I can also definitely see the argument for psychopath too.  It is odd to think that we can find a movie like Home Alone, which on the surface has very strong images of child neglect, so funny.  Obviously, Kevin lives a privileged life, but the entire plot of the movie, and indeed the title, are based on him being sent to the attic for the night as a punishment and then being subsequently forgotten the following morning as his entire family goes to France without him.  It is definitely a good thing that this movie came out when it did as opposed to today.  Regardless of the fact that the movie is blatantly a comedy, I could still imagine the feathers that would be ruffled and the harsh criticism that would be given to Kevin’s on-screen parents.  I think the movie’s success is due in large part to the superiority theory of humor.  As Ellery said, Harry and Marv are quite possibly the worst criminals on the face of the earth.  Most of our laughter is inspired by their blunders and resulting pain as they attempt to force their way into Kevin’s extremely well-fortified home.  I also believe that a lot of the movie’s continued success is due to nostalgia and quotability.  Everyone our age has grown up watching Home Alone so it has almost become a tradition.  Like Ellery said, when it is on, you have to watch it.  Also, who could forget lines like “Buzz! Your girlfriend! Woof!” or Harry asking Marv “Why the hell did you take your shoes off?” and Marv responding “Why the hell are you dressed like a chicken?”  This post really has me looking forward to December when it will be acceptable to watch Christmas movies again.

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 25, 2018 at 2:42 PM

    I think the superiority theory definitely relevant throughout Home Alone, especially with Marv and Harry. I'm looking forward to December to watch it too.

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  2. Shane HerronOctober 25, 2018 at 6:44 PM

    It's funny to hear you talk about the movie in terms like "everyone our age" has seen it--I actually saw it in the theater as a child! It does seem that, in retrospect, there was just so much that was truly inappropriate about the movie. I totally forgot about the attic--a completely inappropriate punishment that of course leads to an even more inappropriate neglect. Perhaps there's more relief theory here than I remembered.

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  3. UnknownOctober 28, 2018 at 9:03 PM

    I look forward to watching it too, I love the funny quotes throughout the movie! It is interesting the way you brought up how Kevin is basically a victim of child neglect. I guess in a bad way were lucky he got neglected or we would have never gotten to see the hilarious pranks he pulls on Marv and Harry!

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  4. carolinekOctober 31, 2018 at 7:33 AM

    It's good that the movie came out when it did. If it was made now then Kevin would have been able to call or text his parents and he would have never been left alone. The movie is so quotable and enjoyable for the entire family.

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