For those of you who don't know, I'm the student representative of my school's Film Society. Our goal as the Calvary Film Society is to present films for those interested in not only the artistic and entertaining elements of films, but also the messages and worldviews they portray, following up each film viewing with discussion and analysis. At our annual Christmas party, we announced a contest for free movie tickets, that being a contest for the best review of the night's film Home Alone. In addition to the movie tickets, the winner would have their review published here on my blog. Our winner was Jordan Watt, and to close out the holiday season, here is his review, as promised. Congratulations, Jordan!
The film Home Alone is a unique film demonstrating the importance of family through the absence of family in the Christmas season. In this movie, Kevin, the protagonist, is set in a busy world and is neglected by the people whom he wishes most to be acknowledged, which is his family. When he does get attention from his family, it is in a largely negative way. Kevin, after being continuously rejected by his family, wishes for his family to completely disappear so he can live without always being neglected. What he didn't realize was that he would be mistakenly left behind on a trip to Paris and his wish of not having a family would become true.
In his initial revelation of his family being missing, he is filled with jubilee. He becomes a rule-free child in his family-free environment. After his initial jubilee, he felt a gap in his life where his family once was. Kevin began noticing increasingly more the joy of other families and the lack of his, because of his ill wishes against his family. This was a symbolic standpoint in Kevin's view of his family. He had wished them away because of his own selfish wants, but he also realized how important they were. They cared for him and gave him a core in his life. After this point, Kevin becomes a more considerate kid towards his friendly surrounding people, and sought after becoming a better person.
When Harry and Marv, the antagonists, planned to rob Kevin's home, Kevin sought to develop the religious part of himself. He went to church in a very symbolic way to be cleansed of his sins and confess his need for his family back. While doing this he is confronted by his mysterious neighbor, Marley, who Kevin's brother said was a murderer. Kevin was frightened at first, but was calmed by Marley's dismissing of the rumor. He told Kevin about the importance of family, and how even his family was split up because of arguments. Kevin, noticing that they were going through the same sort of pain, gave him advice on how he would approach it. Marley was thankful for the advice, and Kevin left him to prepare his home for defense.
Kevin's vast imagination of a child allowed him to expertly trap his home. His new perspective on the importance of his family drove him to protect what belonged to his family. Harry and Marv were driven to steal from Kevin's family because of their selfish drive for possessions. Kevin sabotaged their plans by keeping a level head and through his newfound clarity. When Kevin is pushed to his limit and caught by the burglars, his impact on Marley cycled back to him. Marley incapacitated the burglars and rescued Kevin. The police arrived and all was well.
Except that Kevin remained without a family. He decided to set up his house for Santa, and prayed again for his family to be returned. He no longer wanted anything but for them to return. Kevin fell asleep, and awoke to a snowy Christmas morning. He rushed to check for his family, but with no reward. His family was nowhere to be seen. At this point his hope was crushed, and he was at his lowest. He felt he had truly lost without what he now wanted so badly. To his great surprise, his mother arrived at the house, and he greeted her with the greatest love. He was joyful that his mother was there, but he wished he could embrace the rest of his family and be reconnected with them. Again, to Kevin's great joy, they also arrived at his home and he was praised for his bravery. He was acknowledged and loved by his family like no other time. He felt the most joyful he had ever experienced. After greeting his family, Kevin witnesses again the impact he had on Marley. Marley had called his son and talked to him about their argument before. His son and family visited and they all embraced and were reconnected as a family, just like Kevin was. In the end, Kevin and Marley both developed as a family member, and in their faith. They truly experienced the importance of family, and the real reason for the season—Christ.
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Now what did you think about Home Alone? What's your favorite holiday movie? Whatever you have to say about the movies, comment below! And Happy Holidays!
