No parents. No problem.|Nov. 12, 2021|United States|90 Min.|PG
Genre: Comedy;Family
Description: “Home Sweet Home Alone” reimagines the classic Chris Columbus-directed, John Hughes-written story by flipping the roles of the sympathetic hero and the mischievous villains. This Disney Plus film blends holiday nostalgia with slapstick humor but struggles to balance its ambitious changes. Despite its efforts to refresh the franchise, the movie falls short, coming across as mean-spirited, poorly executed, and disappointingly unfunny, leaving viewers without the festive joy they anticipated.
The story follows Jeff and Pam McKenzie (played by Rob Delaney and Ellie Kemper), a couple forced to sell their home due to financial struggles. Jeff, a tech expert, has been unemployed for months, and Pam’s teaching salary isn’t enough to cover their expenses. Determined to shield their children, Abby (Katie Beth Hall) and Chris (Max Ivutin), from the harsh reality, the couple faces a heartbreaking holiday season.
Desperate for a solution, Jeff recalls his mother’s collection of valuable German antique porcelain dolls stored in their closet. One particular doll, worth over $200,000, could save their family from ruin. However, when Jeff discovers it’s missing, he suspects 10-year-old Max Mercer (Archie Yates), who visited their home during an open house, is the culprit. This sets the stage for a chaotic and comedic showdown.
Cast director: Dan Mazer
Cast actor: Archie Yates, Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney, Pete Holmes, Aisling Bea, Jayne Eastwood, Cara Ricketts, Catherine Cohen, Devin Ratray, Mikey Day
Original name: Home Sweet Home Alone