Home Alone 1990

Caryn James, New York Times: [A] surprisingly charming film, which may be the first Christmas black comedy for children. Read more

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: The movie is quite enjoyable as long as it explores the fantasy of a neglected little boy having an entire house of his own to explore and play in, and it still manages to be fun when he exhibits superhuman ingenuity and resourcefulness. Read more

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly: The movie devolves into an egregious Three Stooges painfest: We're meant to giggle and clap along with Kevin as the crooks get their heads singed with blowtorches and walk barefoot on glass. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: If Home Alone had limited itself to the things that might possibly happen to a forgotten 8-year-old, I think I would have liked it more. Read more

Time Out: [The movie has] an inconsistency of mood not helped by abrupt editing and Columbus' sometimes self-conscious direction. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Pic boasts wonderful casting, with Culkin a delight as funny, resilient Kevin, and O'Hara bringing a snappy, zesty energy to the role of mom. Read more

Jeanne Cooper, Washington Post: This holiday contender from John Hughes is too crass, too loud and too violent to be added blithely to Christmas viewing traditions. But it is funny. Read more

Hal Hinson, Washington Post: Chris Columbus's junky, rambunctiously funny Home Alone is every kid's anarchical wish come true. Read more