Home Alone 2: Lost in New York reunites the successful creative team of writer John Hughes and director Chris Columbus, taking the familiar premise of the original film and dramatically raising the stakes by transporting the action to Manhattan during the Christmas holiday. The sequel is a classic piece of nineties family entertainment, leaning heavily into slapstick comedy and heartwarming holiday themes.
The story once again centers on Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), the resourceful youngest member of his massive, often chaotic family.
In a classic mix-up at the airport, the McCallisters successfully board their plane for a Florida vacation, while Kevin mistakenly boards a separate flight bound for New York City.
Finding himself alone with his father’s credit card in the largest city in the world, Kevin decides to turn the accidental separation into a grand adventure, checking into the luxurious Plaza Hotel in spite of the cynical concierge (Tim Curry).
Kevin’s accidental holiday is quickly interrupted by the unexpected arrival of his old nemeses, the “Wet Bandits” Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), who have escaped from prison and are now the “Sticky Bandits,” planning a big holiday heist in New York.
The subsequent plot involves Kevin using the city’s resources to evade the bandits, setting up the film’s iconic and increasingly elaborate final confrontation in an abandoned townhouse.
Key supporting roles are filled by Catherine O’Hara and John Heard as Kevin’s frantic parents, Gerry Bamman as Uncle Frank, and Brenda Fricker as the compassionate Pigeon Lady, who provides an emotional anchor for Kevin amid the vast city.
Rob Schneider and Kieran Culkin also appear in memorable roles.
Macaulay Culkin in Home alone 2: Lost in New York (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Reception for Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York grossed $31.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office ahead of Aladdin ($25.8 million) and The Bodyguard ($24.4 million).
The film would remain in the top 10 for its first nine weeks en route to grossing $359 million worldwide.
Legacy
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York‘s legacy is its celebration of the Christmas spirit, coupled with a high tolerance for cartoonish violence and clever improvisation.
While often mirroring the plot beats of the original, it succeeds by exploiting the grand scale of New York City and the novelty of a child controlling a luxury hotel.
It remains a beloved sequel that cemented the franchise’s place as a holiday tradition, reminding audiences that even when you are lost, sometimes the greatest adventures are found.
