Home Sweet Home Alone

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 12, 2021

Genre
Comedy, Family

Cast & Crew

• Archie Yates as Max Mercer
• Ellie Kemper as Pam McKenzie
• Rob Delaney as Jeff McKenzie
• Aisling Bea as Carol Mercer
• Kenan Thompson as Gavin Washington
• Timothy Simons as Hunter
• Pete Holmes as Blake Mercer
• Ally Maki as Mei
• Chris Parnell as Uncle Stu

Director
Dan Mazer

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Dirty Grandpa (2016)
• I Give It a Year (2013)

Producer
Hutch Parker, Dan Wilson

Writer
Mikey Day, Streeter Seidell

Budget
Estimated $30 million

Production Company
20th Century Studios, Hutch Parker Entertainment

Running Time
93 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG (for slapstick violence, rude humor, and some language)

Content Advisory

• Slapstick violence
• Mild language
• Family-friendly humor

Movie Story
“Home Sweet Home Alone” is a reimagining of the classic 1990 film Home Alone, following the misadventures of a young boy named Max Mercer (Archie Yates) who is left behind when his family travels to Tokyo for the holidays. Max, feeling neglected and overlooked, revels in his newfound freedom at home—until he realizes that two would-be burglars, Pam (Ellie Kemper) and Jeff McKenzie (Rob Delaney), are planning to break into his house.

Pam and Jeff are not traditional criminals; they are a desperate married couple who believe that Max has stolen a valuable heirloom from their family. Determined to retrieve it, they concoct a plan to break into the Mercer home, unaware that Max is more than capable of defending his territory.

Using his wit and creativity, Max sets up a series of elaborate and painful traps to thwart Pam and Jeff’s attempts to enter the house. What follows is a chaotic and slapstick-filled battle of wits, as Max outsmarts the bumbling intruders at every turn.

As the chaos unfolds, both Max and the McKenzies learn valuable lessons about family, miscommunication, and the true spirit of the holidays. The film blends classic Home Alone humor with modern twists, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on the beloved holiday franchise.

Special Effects
“Home Sweet Home Alone” relies heavily on practical effects and slapstick comedy to create the humorous and often painful traps that Max uses to fend off the intruders. The effects are in line with the tone of the original Home Alone films, using exaggerated stunts and visual gags to entertain a family audience. The film also incorporates modern technology and gadgets into Max’s arsenal, adding a contemporary twist to the classic formula.

Box Office Performance
“Home Sweet Home Alone” was released directly on Disney+ as part of the streaming service’s holiday offerings, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it attracted attention from audiences nostalgic for the original Home Alone films and families looking for new holiday entertainment.

Filming Locations

• Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “This is my house, I have to defend it!” – Max Mercer
• “We’re not bad people, we’re just in a bad situation.” – Pam McKenzie

Behind-the-Scenes
“Home Sweet Home Alone” marks the sixth installment in the Home Alone franchise and is the first film in the series to be produced by 20th Century Studios after its acquisition by Disney. The film was shot on location in Montreal, Canada, and features a mix of new and familiar elements from the original films. Director Dan Mazer, known for his work on comedies, aimed to capture the spirit of the original while updating the story for a modern audience. Archie Yates, who gained recognition for his role in Jojo Rabbit, stars as the young protagonist, bringing his own unique charm to the character of Max.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Home Sweet Home Alone” offers a fun, family-friendly reimagining of the classic Home Alone formula, with plenty of slapstick humor and holiday hijinks. While it may not reach the iconic status of the original, the film delivers an entertaining and lighthearted experience for a new generation of viewers. Archie Yates shines as the resourceful and mischievous Max, and the comedic duo of Ellie Kemper and Rob Delaney adds a fresh dynamic to the story. Fans of the original series and families looking for holiday laughs will find “Home Sweet Home Alone” a charming and nostalgic addition to their holiday movie lineup.

IMDb Rating
3.6/10