The first Home Alone movie remains the best.

Here’s the case as to why…

Spoilers lie ahead.

Compile a list of archetypical Christmas movies and sooner or later, youll have to putHome Aloneon it.

I know, because I was asked to watch them all and report back for Den of Geek.

And Ive done it.

And if you keep reading, soon you will too.

We start our five-article series where it all began: the original and (likely) best.

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Do I really need to explain the plot of this movie to anyone?

And so it goes.

Of all of theHome Alonemovies, this one is easily the toughest to re-evaluate.

Its like remembering your own childhood.

The bits of it you havent repressed, anyway.

Hey relax guys, it was the 90s.

When Kevin wishes his family away youre right there with him, probably wishing hed go too.

Most of the time, its an oddly sincere film.

it’s possible for you to sort of understand why Michael Jackson was into it.

In a way, thats the stuff I actually liked most.

Its a strange film to watch now.

On a script level, its easily the tightest of the five.

Kevins home, alone, within about 15 minutes of the film starting.

The series of unlikely events required to get him to that point operates like a kind of morbid clockwork.

The stakes are low (Harry and Marv just want to knock off the house) but relatable.

In a way, you have to admire its economy.

At various points during this movie I found myself reminded of Kafkas novel,The Trial.

First, he rages against it.

Then he tries to accept it.

As his efforts fail, he turns at last to religion.

Ultimately, its a movie that does deserve its reputation.

The script is rich with theme and invention.

The cast is brilliantly-assembled, and even though hes irritating at times the star quality of Culkin is undeniable.

Most crucially, when Kevin and his mother are finally reunited you do actually feel for them.

Because havent we all felt home alone at some point?

First Kill:An iron falls on Marvs head from several storeys up.

But I doubt it.

Gratuitous references to previous movies:N/A.

This is the one that sets them all up.

Schmaltz level:Quite high.

It really, REALLY wants you to cry during this stuff.

Tree decoration scene:Kevin decorates the tree alone, thinking he wished his family away.

Is anyone home alone in this movie?

:Well, yeah.

Basically the whole thing takes place when he is home alone.

There are fewer than 20 minutes total when Kevin has no friendly presence in the house with him.

Genital injury:Harry gets shot in the groin with an air rifle.

No wonder hes so angry.