On the podcast this time, Steven and Sean are joined by special guest, Jenny Scott, to discuss child abandonment, home invasion, and life threatening booby traps in the 1990 film from Chris Columbus, Home Alone.
One thing I’m wondering is if this movie could happen today, or is it an accident that could only be possible before the advent of cell phones and the internet? My sneaking suspicion is this wouldn’t be possible now. You could always be in easy contact with your child.
More importantly, news of this incident would spread far and wide in an instant. You’d face social disgrace and probably have your face appear on several local news stations. “Tonight at 11:00, inept parent of young child ABANDONS them while going on holiday with rest of family. Boo! Hiss!”
I think that’s the wrong tactic to take. It’s the inevitable one, sure, but look at all the good that young Kevin McAllister did during his family-less time:
Frankly, he’s a hero in my book. Now, I’m not suggesting that more parents leave their too-young children at home while they go gallivanting away in France. Intentionally doing that should land you on the local news. I think Kevin made it out all right, and if you raise your kids to be respectful and resourceful, then they’ll probably make it through even the worst situations.
(Recorded on November 11, 2021)
Links to Stuff We Mentioned:
Blast from the Past (1999) - IMDb
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) - IMDb
Home Sweet Home Alone (2021) - IMDb
How I Met Your Mother (TV Series 2005–2014) - IMDb
Home Alone: 25th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition - Amazon
(This is the paint bucket collector’s edition set that Steven reveals during the episode. It is marvelous.)
“Just Me In The House By Myself” starring Macaulay Culkin & Jack Dishel | :DRYVRS - YouTube