MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Favorite scenes from "Home Alone"

Favorite scenes from "Home Alone"

posted a year ago by SaveTheSeason (355)
23 replies | jump to latest

One of my favorite parts of the film doesn't get a lot of mention. It's the scene at the Scranton airport where the "Polka King" Gus Polinski introduces himself to the frantic Kate McCallister:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COq5k5fQ2hw
The subtleties in the facial expressions of both John Candy and Catherine O'Hara are priceless, along with the dialogue. Watch this clip again with the sound muted and pay close attention to both actors, and you will see what I mean.

So much is packed into this short clip. Gus introduces himself to Kate, anticipating immediate recognition, but receives zero reaction. He tries reintroducing himself as the "Polka King of the Midwest"... no reaction. He lists his "hits" and still no recognition. It finally dawns on Kate that he is talking about songs.

Gus Polinski's reknown is greater in his own mind than it is in reality. If you've ever seen a polka band (yes, they actually do exist) you would understand why.

John Candy was a genius.

Does anyone else have a favorite scene like this that doesn't receive a lot of recognition?

[–] blue1981 (7749) a year ago

When Kevin is walking alone at night and sees a family celebrating Christmas. It leads up to the Church scene. It's a scene I think that hints at the pain of loneliness during the holiday season.

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

Those are great examples. That scene and the subsequent church scene sum up the message of the entire movie.

[–] Ken12602 (498) a year ago

I love when John Candy tells the story of leaving his kid at the funeral home.

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

I was almost going to include that one in my first post, since they both involved John Candy.

"He was okay though, after two, three weeks he came around and started talking again..." Comedy gold.

[–] AmeriGirl26 (14411) a year ago

There were several scenes I loved in this movie:

- where Kevin finally got the courage to talk to the old man who lived across the street, and found out he wasn't a murderer at all, and even gave him advice on reconnecting with his estranged son

- I loved how that played out later when the old man rescued him from Harry and Marv, because apparently they were in that guy's house when Kevin was caught and hung on the hook

- watching the burglars get beaten up by Kevin's traps never gets old, particularly when Harry screams when the blowtorch sets his head on fire, lol

- Kevin using the noir movie to trick people never gets old either

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

The scene with Kevin and "Old Man" Marley in the church sums up the message of the movie.

Kevin using the gangster movie soundtrack to communicate with the pizza delivery guy was hilarious!

[–] sslssg (34222) a year ago

The scene in the church is my favourite.

[–] AmeriGirl26 (14411) a year ago

We need to do a thread about the sequel, because that had super-memorable scenes too! :D

[–] FredBurroughs (21465) a year ago

A

2

D

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

That proves how dumb Buzz was. This is another example of subtlety in the dialogue that makes this film a modern classic.

[–] AndyKing1967 (38133) a year ago

Isn’t it a bit early for this 😉

Just kidding.

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

Right now is the perfect time for the decorations, music, movies and specials. Not July.

[–] AndyKing1967 (38133) a year ago

I was only joking, honest.

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

I knew you were. No offense taken.

[–] Moonglum9 (11275) a year ago

I liked the part where he did that thing and I was all like "Oh no he didn't" and then I laughed and laughed. Just thinking about it now makes me giggle like a little school girl.

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

Are you talking about the various traps he had set up?

[–] Moonglum9 (11275) a year ago

No - more of the stuff and shenanigans and chicanery that went down. I was all "Oh ho ho! That's totes groovy, guvnor!" Pretty basic reaction to it.

[–] Keelai (34864) a year ago

That movie has many great scenes that I enjoy.

After Kevin left the store without paying and escaped the cop, he looks down at his "stolen" toothbrush and says "I'm a criminal."

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

That chase scene through the skating rink was great.

[–] beavis (3249) a year ago

is Christmas story better even though culkin didnt star in it?

[–] SaveTheSeason (355) a year ago

A Christmas Story is another great film.