Ep 23. 'Home Alone': 5 things You Didn't Know

IMDbrief Season 1 Episode 23, titled 'Home Alone: 5 Things You Didn't Know,' is a deep dive into the classic holiday movie 'Home Alone,' exploring behind-the-scenes secrets and trivia that even the most dedicated fans may not be aware of.

The episode begins by setting the scene: it's the early 90s, and John Hughes, the mastermind behind beloved movies like 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and 'The Breakfast Club,' has just come up with the concept for 'Home Alone.' Hughes is known for his ability to capture the heart and humor of adolescence, but 'Home Alone' is a departure from his usual storytelling; rather than focusing on teenagers, the movie centers on an 8-year-old boy named Kevin McCallister who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas.

From there, the episode dives into the making of the movie, detailing everything from the casting process to the special effects used to create those iconic slapstick scenes. One fascinating fact the episode brings up is that Macaulay Culkin, who played Kevin, was never actually supposed to be cast in the role. Instead, the filmmakers were hoping to work with another child actor they had previously worked with, but when that fell through, they reluctantly brought Culkin in - and the rest is history.

Speaking of history, 'Home Alone' went on to become one of the most successful movies of all time, grossing over $285 million domestically and launching Culkin into the stratosphere of child stardom. The episode explores the fascinating cultural phenomenon that the movie became, from the countless parodies that followed (including one starring the actual President of the United States at the time, George H.W. Bush) to the enduring popularity of the film's score, composed by John Williams.

Another interesting tidbit the episode shares is the controversy surrounding 'Home Alone's' use of black and white movies within the movie. In one scene, Kevin watches 'Angels With Filthy Souls,' a fake movie from the 1930s that was actually created specifically for 'Home Alone.' Some viewers have criticized the use of the movie for perpetuating stereotypes of black people as criminals and gangsters, as the actor in the movie is a white man in blackface. While the filmmakers have defended the use of the movie as a nod to classic Hollywood slapstick, the episode raises important questions about how we reckon with outdated and offensive content in beloved works of art.

Finally, the episode touches on the lasting impact that 'Home Alone' has had on pop culture. From inspiring countless copycats and sequels (including a professionally produced version in Russia, which the episode touches on) to becoming a staple of TVs around the world during the holiday season, 'Home Alone' continues to capture the hearts of new generations. The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring appeal of the movie and why it continues to resonate with viewers over 30 years later.

In all, IMDbrief Season 1 Episode 23 is a fascinating look into one of the most beloved movies of all time. Packed with trivia that even the most diehard fans may not know, it's a must-watch for anyone who grew up with 'Home Alone' and continues to cherish it to this day.