Home Alone

Home Alone

Year: 1990

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Chris Columbus

ComedyCrimeFamily

When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind during the holidays, he musters his inner resourcefulness to defend his home against two hapless burglars. With creative contraptions and clever disguises, Kevin takes matters into his own hands, setting the stage for a hilarious and action-packed battle of wits.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Home Alone (1990)
Trace every key event in Home Alone (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Christmas Holiday Preparations

As the McCallister family prepares for their Christmas holiday in Paris, excitement fills the house. However, underlying family tensions begin to emerge, hinting at deeper issues among the siblings.

Christmas eve McCallister home
2

Kevin's Consequential Wish

After a heated argument with his older brother Buzz, Kevin is sent to the attic as a punishment. Frustrated and overwhelmed, he makes a heartfelt wish for his family to disappear, unknowingly setting the stage for what’s to come.

Christmas eve Attic of McCallister home
3

A Blackout Strikes

A sudden blackout hits the neighborhood, sabotaging the family's alarm systems. In the ensuing chaos, as everyone rushes to catch their flight, Kevin is accidentally left behind, marking a turning point in his holiday adventure.

Christmas Eve night McCallister home
4

Kevin's Initial Thrill of Solitude

At first thrilled by the idea of having the house to himself, Kevin quickly becomes unsettled by the silence that envelopes him. Despite the excitement of independence, he soon realizes that being alone isn’t as fun as he imagined.

McCallister home
5

Encountering Old Man Marley

Kevin develops a fear of his neighbor, the reclusive 'Old Man' Marley, famously known as the 'South-Bend Shovel Slayer.' This fear grows as he imagines the worst, adding to his feelings of isolation and dread.

Neighborhood
6

The Burglars' Plans

Two bumblers, Harry and Marv, plan to rob the supposedly empty McCallister home. Unbeknownst to them, Kevin is still inside, using his cleverness to make them think twice about their nefarious plans.

McCallister home
7

Kate's Realization

While on a mid-flight trip, Kevin's mother, Kate, realizes with horror that they have left Kevin behind. Faced with various setbacks at the airport, she scrambles to find a way back home to her son.

Christmas Eve Airport
8

A Ride with Gus Polinski

Kate accepts a ride from Gus Polinski, the leader of a polka band, who offers her an unexpected means of getting back to Chicago. Their unique traveling experience is filled with humor and chaos as they work against the clock.

Christmas Eve In Gus's van
9

Seeking Advice from Santa

Feeling the weight of loneliness on Christmas Eve, Kevin seeks solace and advice from a local Santa. This encounter leads him to cross paths with Old Man Marley, whose story of family estrangement resonates deeply with him.

Christmas Eve night Neighborhood
10

Kevin and Marley Connect

In a profound conversation with Marley, Kevin learns about the old man's estrangement from his family. This connection inspires Kevin, igniting a newfound hope and understanding about the importance of familial bonds.

Neighborhood
11

Setting the Traps

Motivated by his new friendship with Marley, Kevin crafts a series of clever traps to prepare for the burglars' attempt to invade his home. His resourcefulness and quick thinking become crucial as he strategizes for their arrival.

Christmas Eve McCallister home
12

The Burglars Strike

On Christmas Eve, as Harry and Marv make their move to break in, they fall victim to one trap after another set by Kevin. His ingenious contraptions create a comical yet chaotic series of events, showcasing his bravery.

Christmas Eve McCallister home
13

Burglars Captured

After a series of failed attempts, the authorities finally apprehend Harry and Marv. Their attempts at robbery become increasingly ridiculous, cementing their reputation as bumbling criminals.

Neighborhood
14

McCallister Family Reunion

On Christmas Day, the McCallister family returns to a bustling home, full of joy and holiday spirit. Although Kevin keeps his adventurous night to himself, the focus on family leaves him with a sense of gratitude and connection.

Christmas Day McCallister home
15

The Spirit of Forgiveness

Through Marley’s story and his experiences, Kevin learns the essence of family and forgiveness. This holiday season becomes a turning point for both Kevin and Marley, highlighting the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Day McCallister home

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 16:56

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