Title: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Director: Chris Columbus

Writer: John Hughes 

Release Date: November 20, 1992

Country: USA

Genre: Family Comedy, Adventure, Crime

Budget: $18 million (estimated)

Revenue: $359 million (worldwide)

Running Time: 120 minutes

Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern

Trailer:

Plot

The McCallister family is preparing for another family trip, this time to Florida. However, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is not at all happy, given that there aren't any Christmas trees in Florida.

The evening before the trip, the family attends a school chorus, at which Kevin has a vocal solo. However, his older brother Buzz (Devin Ratray) is also in the chorus, and causes a ruckus that eventually ends with Kevin attacking his brother, ruining the performance.

Back at home, Buzz apologizes to the family for his actions, but whispers an aside to Kevin that he just said that to force Kevin to apologize. Kevin vocally chastises everyone for taking Buzz's side, and is sent to the attic.

Kevin's mother Kate (Catherine O'Hara) comes to speak with him afterwards, wanting him to apologize, but Kevin refuses, claiming that if he had his own money, he'd take his own vacation away from his family.

The next day, the family almost misses their van to the airport, but luckily, they make it in time, along with Kevin. By the time the family arrives at the airport, they are still late for the plane and make a run for it. Kevin accidentally falls behind, and when he looks up, mistakes another man for his dad (due to their similar coats), and follows him onto another plane.

Eventually, the McCallister family makes it to Florida, where they realize they've lost Kevin again.

Meanwhile, in New York, Kevin has arrived, but is unsure just where he is. Seeing no sign of his family, he looks out the airport window to see a non-tropical city. After asking an airline attendant where he is, Kevin at first is terrified at what has happened...but then realizes he can have some fun on his own.

Kevin is also in possession of his Dad's bag, which has cash as well as credit cards.

Back in Florida, Kevin's parents have reported him missing. After calling the Chicago airport, they find that no one has reported seeing him. It is then that Kevin's Dad finds that his wallet and credit cards are missing. The lost credit cards are reported so that if Kevin attempts to use one, they can be tracked.

After wandering into Central Park, Kevin soon finds himself at the Plaza Hotel. Using a tape recorder, he tapes a message and slows down his voice, placing a hotel reservation. Kevin then proceeds to the front desk, where he convinces the clerk on duty that his Father sent him to check in with his credit card. Kevin also runs into Donald Trump in the hotel.

The clerk processes the paperwork, but the Concierge nearby is suspicious of Kevin. Later that evening, he intends to access Kevin's room, but Kevin fools him into thinking that he has walked in on his Father, causing the concierge to flee.

The next day, in order to make amends, the concierge arranges for a limousine and a pizza for Kevin. While Kevin is out, the Concierge then double-checks the credit card that was used, and finds that it has been labeled as 'stolen.'

Meanwhile, Kevin has made his way to a toy store called Duncan's Toy Chest. Kevin makes some purchases, and the old man running the register then explains that all the purchases that are made at the store that day will have their money donated to the local children's hospital. Kevin then gives the cashier some extra money as well, and is given an ornament of two turtle doves as a gift for his donation. On the way out, Kevin soon realizes that he just met the toy store owner, Mr Duncan.

As he decides what to do next, a familiar voice is heard, and Kevin turns around, only to come face-to-face with Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), the two men who attempted to rob his family's home last Christmas!

Kevin rushes off, and heads back to the Plaza Hotel. Coming up to the Concierge, Kevin asks for help, but the Concierge instead confiscates Kevin's credit card, and intends to report him to the Police. Kevin takes off running again, and rushes into the hotel, heading for his room. Packing his things, he quickly heads out an emergency exit: only to run into Harry and Marv again.

The two take Kevin with them, mentioning how they intend to rob Duncan's Toy Chest later that evening. However, Kevin escapes from them again, and rushes into Central Park to hide.

Back in Florida, the local Police report to the McCallisters that Kevin used a credit card in New York, and the family packs to head off.

As night falls, Kevin heads to a house that supposedly belongs to his Uncle and Aunt, but finds it in a state of being repaired. Returning to Central Park, he finds an old woman tending to some pigeons. At first, Kevin is scared, but soon realizes that she means no harm to him.

She and Kevin sneak into the rafters of Carnegie Hall and watch a performance. As they play, the old woman and Kevin talk, and share their thoughts about life.

Finally, Kevin heads back out into the night, and comes across a children's hospital. Remembering what Harry and Marv plan to do, Kevin hatches a plan to stop them before they can steal the money. Kevin returns to the house owned by his Uncle and Aunt, and much like his own house the year before, booby-traps it.

Kevin then heads back to Duncan's Toy Chest, where he sees Harry and Marv emptying a cash register through the window. Drawing their attention, he breaks the window, setting off the alarm.

Kevin then leads them back to the house where he then manages to get the two thugs to fall for most of his traps, before attempting to lead them into Central Park. However, he ends up slipping on some ice, and Harry and Marv catch up to him.

Kevin is then saved when the bird woman throws bird feed on the two, causing numerous birds to attack them. The Police arrive soon afterwards and arrest Harry and Marv.

At this point, the McCallister family has arrived in New York, and Kate goes running around the city, trying to find anyone who may have seen her son.

Meanwhile, Kevin goes to Rockefeller Center in front of the tree, where he wishes to see his mom again. Kate shows up, and mother and son are reunited.

The entire family wakes up to a load of presents under the tree in their hotel suite.

Kevin sneaks out to Central Park to see the pigeon lady, and he gives her one of the two turtle doves that Mr. Duncan had given him earlier. He means this as a gesture to signify that they will be friends forever.

Commentary

Classic movie! A great family comedy for all to see. This film does a good job holding it's own, and also as a successor to the first Home Alone movie. Has great comedy in all it's forms, but the most obvious is physical comedy, most present in the pranks Kevin plays on Harry and Marv. 

The film, just like it's predecessor, is made on a great premise that is a fantasy for many children. I mean, what kid never dreamt of being home alone? Although the film is not very realistic, considering all the things Kevin is able to accomplish on his own in the Big Apple, it still appeals to a wide audience, and it definitely accomplishes it's goal.