Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Following the smash success of the 1990 original, this sequel was inevitable of course, but even so it’s a little jarring how it’s basically a remake of its predecessor. It follows the same path and beats, has a similar musical score and use of holiday music, and the same effective performances from its returning cast. What’s surprising however is how it works just as well the second time around: Macaulay Culkin’s misadventures in New York City follow the “more is better” theme of many blockbuster sequels so it’s much of the same but it’s just as much fun as it was in the first movie. Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci look like they’re having lots of fun as the Sticky Bandits, and series newcomer Tim Curry is a spark of devilish charm in every scene he’s in.

Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)