1 day Ago
Another Christmas is over and Boxing Day film viewing will doubtlessly have many of you rewatching 'Home Alone' or its far superior sequel...
But did you know that one of its main stars is getting a lot of TikTok traction online? They are the most violent kids movies ever made, a double-bill Christmas mainstay and a two-part cinematic staple of the festive season that gets better with every passing year: and . For the purpose of this article – and good taste in general – best to forget the existence of the Chris Columbus / John Hughes / Macaulay Culkin deprived third instalment, as well as the trio of straight-to-TV films , and . Even if that last one has a pretty damn good title.
The original 1990 film and its 1992 sequel are irrefutable classics about a young boy Kevin McCallister (Macauley Culkin) being accidentally abandoned (twice) for the Christmas holidays by the most neglectful family cinemagoers have ever witnessed on the big screen. Both instalments continue to delight, even if they can be read as either the prequels to the Saw franchise or the sadistic diptych manifesto of a future sociopath, as the character of Kevin is nothing if not a pain-inflicting master manipulator who triggers his handmade booby traps on two non-violent criminals and remorselessly loves every minute of his torture campaign. Kevin McCallister? Patrick Bateman Jr.
, more like. Even mental health experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and cinemalovers using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist and concluded that he’s “a straight-up psycho.” But enough about Kevin.
We’re here about another Home Alone character: Marv (Daniel Stern), one half of the robbers better known as the Wet Bandits, joined by Harry (Joe Pesci). Stern has recently become viral online as many have been wondering: Why haven’t we seen the actor in more films? Well, the 67-year-old swapped acting for the country life, as he now lives on a farm. He's a cattle rancher, a tangerine grower, and a sculptor.
He has a , on which he explained his career change. "I did a lot of great movies but there came a point where I missed being away from my family," he writes. "I decided to stop traveling so much, stay home and focus on my family and my other artistic passions.
The result of that decision is that I have a wonderful family life and this body of work." He even - where he has more than 138,000 followers – and it’s his recent posts that have sparked a lot of positive feedback, especially around the Christmas period, as many social media users have shared how much the Home Alone films are a treasured part of their childhood. One comment reads: "The joy you brought to me as a kid growing up watching your movies and now my kiddos get to feel the same joy.
Thank you Mr. Stern.” "You were such a huge part of my childhood.
It feels like such a privilege having you share your artwork with us outside of acting. Thank you for providing so many laughs and memories," another wrote. So, wonder no more.
One half of the Wet Bandits is enjoying the good life and his online posts are as wholesome as it gets. The next time you watch or , spare a thought for the admittedly misguided actions of the fictional criminal duo Daniel Stern was a part of, and take comfort knowing he’s doing just fine - despite having received several concussions, had a big hairy spider crawling into his mouth and a huge nail perforating his foot. And while you’re at it, maybe reassess the actions of the fictional hero child with clear abandonment issues who came up with the devious plans that really should have landed him on the FBI’s most sadistic offenders list.
Happy holiday screenings, one and all..
