The Case For Why ‘Home Alone 2’ Is Even Better Than The Original Film

As we are well in the midst of the holiday season, it’s time for both movie and non-movie fans alike to gather around as a family and watch some of the most timeless classic holiday films such as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Deck The Halls, Jingle All The Way, Christmas With the Kranks, Elf, and of course, Home Alone 1 & 2.

For most fans of the John Hughes & Chris Columbus classic, Home Alone (1990), many would argue that the first film in the duo is the best, but this writer and native New Yorker has always loved the second film even more than the first and is taking this opportunity to present why that is the case.

First of all, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) finds Kevin (MaCaulay Culkin) in a brand new city instead of his hometown. He has already established a relationship with the bad guys, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), which allows for his pranks and booby traps (which he sets up in his Uncle Rob’s vacant home) to become even more elaborate than in the first film. While there is no John Candy (his absence definitely being a con), we still have a number of high profile cameos.

Two words: Rob Schneier. The comedy actor nails his part as the creepy bellhop and lackey to the Concierge (Tim Curry) at the Plaza Hotel, where he ends up staying at. We also can’t forget to leave out the pigeon lady, Brenda Fricker, who is arguably a way better ally than the “South Bend Shovel Slayer” (aka Old Man Marley). We also can’t forget Mr. Duncan (Eddie Bracken) from Duncan’s Toy Chest, who is not only charitable, but an all around great guy. Lastly, since it has to be mentioned, there’s an appearance by our current president, Donald Trump, which can be a pro or con depending on who you ask.

Going back to the pranks, the 2 year older Kevin is now even wiser and more crafty than he was in the original. While there were plenty of pranks that could have definitely killed Harry and Marv in the first film (making this writer question how it got a PG rating), the pranks in the second film were just plain vicious. Also, the faux film, Angels With Filthy Souls, is way more advanced, and we get to see more of the plot line.

When Marv is electrocuted in the basement and when Harry engulfs his flaming head in a toilet bowl full of kerosene, there is no way anyone could walk away from that. Also, when Kevin lights the rope soaked in kerosene and the two now “Sticky Bandits” (they were dubbed the “Wet Bandits” by Marv in the first movie) who were using it to climb down the side of the building plunge to the lowest depths of the building, it’s impossible to think anyone could keep going after this.

Home Alone 2 also delivers creepy cab drivers, ladies of the night, the chillest street vendor ever selling necklaces, fireworks, and two turtle doves. Mr. Duncan gives the two turtle doves to Kevin who is tasked with giving the second one to a dear friend so that they always remember each other. At the end of the film, Kevin visits the pigeon lady and gives her the second turtle dove for helping and bonding with him, in a touching moment.

So, if after all of that, you still think the original is way better than the first, give us your best shot. We’d love to hear from you in the comments section! Also, we wish you and yours Happy Holidays and want to remind you to make sure you watch both films before the season is over.

Michael is a music and television junkie keen on most things that are not a complete and total bore. You can follow him on Twitter — @Tweetskoor

WHERE TO STREAM HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK