Home Alone 2

Plot

It’s Christmas again, and Kevin McAllister finds himself separated from his family once more – when he accidentally gets on the wrong flight than his family. They’ve headed to ‘Sunny’ Florida – and he has head to the Big Apple.

Soon he finds himself reunited with the wet bandits, who want revenge for sending them to prison for the last 9 months.

Direction

Chris Columbus returns as Director here. Once again he does a solid job – with a clearly bigger budget and bigger setting – this time New York!

The pacing felt a little more off than it should have been (with Kevin being kicked out of the hotel).

The final showdown is still very funny, with good use of practical effects – and more heart than the first.

Cast/Characters

All the principle players return once again, which is impressive considering the size of the family.

New cast members that add their ‘own’ to the movie are Tim Curry as the hotel concierge, Dana Ivey as the desk clerk, Rob Schneider as the bellboy. Finally we have Mr Duncan – the toy store owner, and Brenda Fricker as ‘The Pigeon lady’ who become Kevin’s friends. Ally Sheedy and Donald Trump have very small cameos as well.

Screenplay/Setting

At times it did feel like we were watching a giant advert for things like the Plaza Hotel (oh, that’s why Trump was there!), Coca Cola and the Talk Boy (which I may or may not have gotten as a Christmas present in 1992).

There are some funny gags about Uncle Phil in the early parts of the film and how he’s getting another free holiday, as well as Kevin’s ticket (as his last ticket wound up in the bin).

The main themes once again are of course are family and friends. Kevin felt a little too mature at times, and the storyline of his friendship with older people felt recycled (here with Mr Duncan, and The Pidgeon Lady). Despite this, there were some fairly emotional scenes between these characters.

Overall

Solid sequel, which holds its own against its predecessor. Despite some of its flaws (Kevin’s family is just terrible – especially after the performance – and Buzz deserved it), and how aged some parts are (pre 9/11 flying!) – It is still a high recommend from me.

4/5

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