'Home Alone': Why the timeless holiday classic movie should never be remade in a modern rendition

This holiday season, we look at one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time and why it remains evergreen, so much so, that it does not deserve to be toyed with in any way
PUBLISHED DEC 24, 2019
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister in the 90s classic holiday movie, 'Home Alone' (IMDb)
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister in the 90s classic holiday movie, 'Home Alone' (IMDb)

Living in a time of reboots and remakes, it becomes quite difficult for us to replace the original experiences and emotions that were attached to a movie or a piece of work.

Take 'Home Alone' for instance. This movie is by far the most iconic holiday movie ever! For fans, it is almost a tradition to have a 'Home Alone' marathon on Christmas Day, us included.

So, when we hear rumors about the classic being reprised in a modern rendition, we cannot but reiterate why this movie is and always will be one of a kind.

In one word, 'Home Alone' is perfect for its time. The great 90s, as they say, had its quirks. Awkward fashion, modern tech at its grass-root and experimental levels and simpler lifestyles came together in a perfect balance in Kevin McCallister's adventures.

Neither did it seem ahead of its time nor dated. Kevin became the next-door-kid you would love to hang out with. Even the setting made you feel like a cozy, homely, holiday time, especially if you are "alone" at home on a holiday or away from home. It was simply perfect to put you in the festive mood!

If at all, there had to be (in our wildest imagination) a very contemporary version of the story, how will it be? Imagine Kevin being Kevin but with the latest tech — mobile apps, GPS access, IoT-driven home appliances, or a radio cab to pick him up when he's lost, or even a Venmo when he is out of money.

We played this visual in our minds and came up with a vehement "NO". This is a complete misfit with the experience of the original story. Kevin won't be Kevin if he had technology ready at hand, as kids have today. His ingenuity makes his character an icon.

The premise of the movie worked because there were certain limitations in the lifestyle of that time and that's what made it an on-point movie. If one must recreate, they might as well create a new story altogether, keeping the OG plot as a back story, but definitely not as a reboot.

This Christmas holiday, catch up on the 'Home Alone' trilogy and know for yourself why such a beautiful piece of work should remain in our memories just the way it is.

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