Holiday classic celebrates 25th anniversary since its release

Jackson Williams, Staff Writer

Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is preparing for another huge Christmas season.

The 1990 blockbuster Christmas film Home Alone has become a holiday season staple in millions of households throughout the world since its release 25 years ago.
The film begins with an ornery 8-year-old named Kevin McCallister as he and his family prepare for a Christmas trip. His outlandish behavior lands him a stay in the attic for the night. As the next morning comes, the family leaves the house with Kevin still asleep in the attic.
She soon realizes while on the plane that she has left her son behind, barking the iconic line “Kevin!”
As the family descends into a panic, young Kevin walks downstairs to find that he has the house to himself. He seems to not mind the alone time and decides to do whatever he wants.
As he is alone, he is left to fend off a pair of burglars. Kevin rigs the house with tricks and traps which the two burglars, Harry and Marv, set off very carelessly, sustaining many outrageous injuries.
As they continue to set off Kevin’s booby traps, the police eventually arrest the pair with Kevin watching and laughing.
Kevin wakes up on Christmas Day, initially thinking that he is still alone. This disappoints him until he hears his mother enter the house and call for him.
The entire family predictably is reunited, and the family Christmas is saved.
Home Alone did huge numbers in theaters upon its initial release, grossing 476.7 million dollars in the box office, and far-surpassing their initial budget of 18 million.
The movie’s financial successes still continue today as it is a mainstay in Christmas culture.
The Home Alone franchise saw immense success, allowing for multiple sequels, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Home Alone 3, Home Alone 4, and Home Alone: The Holiday Heist.
The commercial success of the movie continues to rake in millions every year in movie sales, merchandise, and streaming, just to name a few.
As the Christmas season descends upon us, many will be watching their favorite holiday films, and it is safe to say Home Alone is one of them.
“Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.”