•
Rating:
A 1990 film by Chris Columbus.
The average American child, Kevin aged 7-8, is left home alone by an average American family, comprised, of course, of idiotic parents and slimy relatives. The average American child proves capable of doing anything, including defending himself from two average American robbers. Probably, until then, he had never done anything on his own. Now he has the chance to eat what he wants, watch what he wants on TV, and make as much noise as he wants. Metaphorically, he can be compared to the fox that eats until it bursts, only to get stuck in the den where it hoarded food. But this isn't the case: the average American child quickly realizes that he has acted foolishly enough and understands that life is presenting him with a series of choices. Like a trial by fire, he cleverly and wisely defends the family's gigantic house and overcomes his personal fears (the imaginary monster in the basement, the mysterious old man, and the forbidden film). He goes shopping, does laundry, orders pizza, and cooks his dinner with the microwave. In short, he decides to be an adult. He decides that freedom, or life if you will, comes at a cost and must be sustained. Any child would have chosen to hide or call someone. The sense of individualism and defending one's own turf is overwhelming. A Christmas story only on the surface, with snow, a trip, gathering in church, and prayers to Jesus and the false "miracle" of the family's disappearance. The child Kevin, considered by the entire family to be an annoying incapable, incredibly shows he can face all adverse situations and even himself. There is great discomfort in perceiving the sense of isolation that such a small being endures from the first moment. But even later: Kevin, despite being alone, never asks for his mom, never cries, has no one to call, and lies with extraordinary ability. The metaphorical "trench" he creates for the house, turning it into a fortress, is nothing more than a reflection of the strong personality that should technically belong to every savvy average American child. Thus, America, with its cinema, enlightens us on the value of native education, the generosity of its people, parental attachment, the sense of family, the value of sacrifice, and the defense of one's ideals, besides the ability to manage in all situations and all possible ways. At Christmas, everyone is kinder. No. Fortunately, not this. At Christmas, people are more selfish than ever.
The film is fun, light, poignant, splendidly managed by the young prodigy Culkin, surrounded by quirky characters that, however, work well. A surreal, almost magical context, veiled in sentimentality, and needless to say, an expected happy ending. More than a typical American comedy.
Loading comments slowly
