#REVIEW: “HOME SWEET HOME ALONE”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Sometimes there are classics that are revisited unnecessarily in new installments. And sometimes these newer installments aren’t well-received by Critics and fans. If you’re on-board for Home Alone taking new risks, then strap yourself in for Home Sweet Home Alone.

Max (Archie Yates) is a stubborn, difficult, mean-spirited child whose mother Carol (Aisling Bea) is trying to do everything she can to make her son happy and comfortable, despite being a bit of a monster. They go to an Open House belonging to Pam (Ellie Kemper) and Jeff (Rob Delaney) to use a bathroom, and Max starts talking to Jeff about the creepy dolls he finds in the closet. One thing leads to another, and Jeff and Pam believe that Max stole the most expensive doll, and so they decide to break into his house and get their doll back.

Here is the main issue with Home Sweet Home Alone, a simple thing would’ve fixed the problem. One simple statement/question could’ve solved everything, so that no one had to go through this series of antics, injuries, and a ridiculous turn that didn’t all make too much sense. What is even more unfortunate about Home Sweet Home Alone is that somehow the Movie manages to under-utilize the great talents of Archie Yates, Ellie Kemper and Rob Delaney, as they all deliver, but leave plenty of energy in reserve. The Film feels mean-spirited and doesn’t quite capture the essence of what the Franchise is about. Home Alone has always been about a kid left home alone, terrified, navigating a nefarious home invasion. Home Sweet Home Alone however, centers on a miscommunication with chaos ensuing, and we kinda wanted something more faithful to what we have come to know and love of Home Alone.

HOME SWEET HOME ALONE streams now on Disney+.