Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" is the 1992 sequel to the hugely successful Home Alone (1990). Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, this film follows the same central premise as the original, but this time, Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin) ends up separated from his family in New York City, rather than at home. It's another Christmas adventure filled with laughs, heart, and more mischievous antics as Kevin once again faces off with the same bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv.

Plot Summary

The film picks up with Kevin McCallister (Culkin) spending the holidays with his family. This time, the McCallisters are planning a Christmas trip to Florida. However, in the chaos of the airport and travel preparations, Kevin once again gets separated from his family. This time, instead of being left behind at home, he boards the wrong plane and ends up flying to New York City—alone.

At first, Kevin enjoys his newfound freedom in the big city. He checks into the Plaza Hotel using his father’s credit card (which he "found" in the wallet he took with him), buys gifts, and takes full advantage of the luxury hotel services. He also has a few adventures in the city, including visiting Central Park and Rockefeller Plaza.

However, Kevin soon runs into the same pair of burglars from the first movie, Harry Lyme (Joe Pesci) and Marv Murchins (Daniel Stern), who have escaped from prison. They’re planning to rob a toy store called Duncan’s Toy Chest, which is a charitable business, and Kevin once again finds himself in a position where he needs to stop them.

Kevin devises an elaborate series of traps inside the toy store to thwart Harry and Marv. These traps, which involve all sorts of physical comedy and slapstick mishaps, lead to the burglars getting injured in increasingly ridiculous ways. Meanwhile, Kevin also befriends a woman named Kate (Catherine O'Hara), who is a pigeon lady living in Central Park. The pigeon lady helps Kevin in a moment of need, and the two form a bond during the film.

In the end, Harry and Marv are caught by the police, and Kevin is reunited with his family, who have tracked him down after realizing he’s missing.

Key Themes

1. Independence and Responsibility: Just like in the first film, Kevin is forced to navigate the world on his own, this time in a much bigger and more chaotic environment. The movie explores his ability to handle responsibility, make decisions, and protect himself. Kevin’s independence is a central theme, as he proves he can thrive even in overwhelming situations.

2. Family and Love: A major theme in Home Alone 2 is the importance of family, even when things go wrong. Kevin’s relationship with his family remains central to the story, and his time away from them makes him realize how much he loves them. The film also shows Kevin’s efforts to help others, such as his friendship with the pigeon lady and his efforts to stop the thieves from robbing the toy store.

3. Good vs. Evil (with Humor): The slapstick rivalry between Kevin and the burglars, Harry and Marv, is a classic element of the film. Harry and Marv, despite being the "bad guys," are portrayed humorously. The exaggerated and painful consequences they face because of Kevin’s traps provide the film with much of its comedic energy.

4. The Spirit of Christmas: Like the first movie, Home Alone 2 emphasizes the holiday spirit and the idea of kindness, charity, and the joy of giving. The setting around Christmas time helps underline these themes, especially with Kevin’s efforts to stop the burglars from robbing Duncan’s Toy Chest, a store that gives its proceeds to children’s charities.

Key Characters

• Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin): The central character, now a bit older and wiser after his experiences from the first film. He’s once again the hero of the story, outwitting the burglars with his clever traps and his resourcefulness.

• Harry Lyme (Joe Pesci): The more intelligent but increasingly frustrated of the two burglars. Harry’s interactions with Marv provide much of the comedic energy as they endure Kevin’s elaborate pranks.

• Marv Murchins (Daniel Stern): The goofy and dim-witted partner of Harry, Marv is the one who usually gets hurt the most in Kevin’s traps. His slapstick antics continue to be a highlight of the film’s humor.

• The Pigeon Lady (Brenda Fricker): A new character introduced in Home Alone 2. She’s a homeless woman living in Central Park who befriends Kevin after he helps her. Her backstory and relationship with Kevin provide a heartfelt subplot in the film.

• Kate McCallister (Catherine O'Hara): Kevin’s mother, who once again plays a crucial role in trying to reunite with Kevin after realizing he is missing. She has her own comedic moments, especially in her frantic search for him in New York.

• Peter McCallister (John Heard): Kevin’s father, who is once again absent-minded and caught up in the family chaos.

• Duncan (Tim Curry): The concierge at the Plaza Hotel, who is suspicious of Kevin’s behavior. His role provides some comedic moments, especially as he tries to figure out why a young child is staying in a luxury hotel alone.

Iconic Moments and Humor

1. Kevin’s Traps: Like in the first film, Kevin sets up a series of booby traps to stop Harry and Marv. Some of the most memorable traps include:

   • A paint can swinging from a string to hit Harry in the face.
   • Marv stepping on a series of nails and getting a face full of aftershave.
   • A bucket of water being poured on Marv’s head when he tries to climb a ladder.

2. The Plaza Hotel: Kevin’s stay at the Plaza Hotel is another iconic part of the film. His use of his father’s credit card and his interactions with the hotel staff—especially the skeptical concierge (Tim Curry)—create moments of humor and absurdity.

3. The Pigeon Lady’s Friendship with Kevin: Kevin’s bond with the pigeon lady, a reclusive woman living in Central Park, brings a more heartfelt element to the movie. Her backstory and her friendship with Kevin provide the emotional depth needed to balance the film's comedy.

4. The Final Confrontation: The climax of the movie features a showdown between Kevin and the burglars in Duncan’s Toy Chest. Kevin’s inventive traps foil the burglars' plan and ensure that they are apprehended by the police, with the toy store’s charitable nature saved.

Reception and Legacy

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was a commercial success, grossing over $359 million worldwide, which was impressive for a film made on a budget of about $28 million. While it did not receive the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessor, it was still generally well-received by audiences, who enjoyed the familiar formula and humor.

The film is often considered a worthy sequel that captures the same magic as the first film, but with a fresh setting and new challenges for Kevin. The slapstick humor, Christmas setting, and Macaulay Culkin’s charismatic performance continue to make the movie a popular holiday watch.

In the years since its release, Home Alone 2 has become a holiday staple and is frequently shown on television during the Christmas season. The dynamic between Harry and Marv, the creative traps, and Kevin’s adventures in New York continue to make the film a favorite for families.

Fun Facts

• Macaulay Culkin's Paycheck: Culkin was paid $4.5 million for his role in Home Alone 2, a significant raise from his $100,000 salary for the first film.

• The Plaza Hotel: The hotel scenes were shot at the famous Plaza Hotel in New York City, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Culkin’s character, Kevin, was able to stay there by using his father’s credit card.

• Tim Curry's Role: Tim Curry, who plays the concierge at the Plaza Hotel, is often cited as a highlight of the film. His performance as the suspicious and somewhat sleazy hotel employee adds a layer of humor to the movie.

Conclusion

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a fun, heartwarming sequel that captures the spirit of the original while introducing new locations, characters, and hijinks. With its blend of slapstick comedy, holiday charm, and the lovable character of Kevin McCallister, the film continues to entertain audiences year after year, cementing its place as a classic family holiday film.