Despite the holiday season concluding, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York remains a streaming favorite, securing a notable ninth place globally on Disney+ over the past week. The film, originally released on November 19, 1992, continues to capture the hearts of audiences, even as Christmas decorations come down across homes.
Continuing the McCallister Legacy
The sequel follows the familiar adventures of Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin. In this installment, Kevin finds himself separated from his family once again, this time inadvertently boarding a flight to New York City instead of Miami. The storyline mirrors the original film, with Kevin wishing to be alone during the holidays. His wish is granted when his family, in a rush, forgets him at the airport.
Once in New York, Kevin uses his father’s credit card to check into the luxurious Plaza Hotel and embarks on a series of escapades throughout the city. He encounters a variety of characters, including a kind-hearted pigeon lady and a scheming concierge, played by Tim Curry. The film takes a turn when the infamous Wet Bandits return from prison, plotting to rob a toy store owned by a generous elderly man whom Kevin befriends.
Mixed Reviews, Strong Box Office
While critics offered a mixed reception, with a 35% score on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences embraced the sequel, leading to impressive box office results. Home Alone 2 grossed an impressive $359 million worldwide against a modest budget of $28 million. The film’s success can be attributed to its star-studded cast, including returning actors Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, and Catherine O’Hara, alongside new faces like Brenda Fricker and Rob Schneider.
The collaboration of director Chris Columbus and writer John Hughes marked the final time this trio would work together on the franchise. Their combined efforts helped solidify the film’s status as a holiday staple for many families.
As the holiday season fades, Macaulay Culkin remains a familiar face on screens. He features in the second season of Prime Video’s adaptation of the Fallout video game, playing a significant role as a member of Caesar’s Legion. With half the season still to air, audiences can expect more of Culkin’s character as the plot unfolds.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is currently available for streaming on Disney+, continuing to delight viewers long after the Christmas season has ended. As audiences reflect on this enduring classic, it stands as a testament to the film’s lasting appeal in the realm of holiday entertainment.
