I had the good fortune to go see the San Francisco Symphony score the music to a Christmas classic, 'Home Alone'. I hadn't seen this movie in a while, but I clearly remembered the scenes of Macaulay Culkin setting all types of traps for the robbers who intended to ransack his house. As a younger kid, I always thought these men to be the big, bad villains they are. What I didn't pick up on, however, was another character of suspicious behavior.
The one and only, Uncle Frank.
This man!
If you watch the movie again, you'll pick up on relatively mean, shady stuff!
Let's set the record straight for those of you that need a refresher - the McCallister family gets to go on a trip to Paris for Christmas, paid for by Mr. McCallister's brother. The dude is shelling out cash to invite 10+ people to visit him in Europe for the holiday. Talk about a generous sibling.
The opening scene of the movie shows the chaos that ensues for a family of that size to travel to Europe together. Not surprisingly no one could make a home cooked meal, so Mrs. McCallister orders pizza. When asked about who's paying, Uncle Frank takes the 'za and dips, saying that someone else will pay. Simply says "It's my brother's house, he'll take care of it".
Pull your weight, Frank.
When sweet Kevin McCallister gets frustrated with his annoying brother Buzz (who also seems a little insane), he runs into him, causing a commotion in the kitchen. What does Frank do?
And, when he finds out about Kevin being left home alone, he just says:
Then follows with - "If it makes you feel any better, I forgot my reading glasses."
Yes Frank, a child and reading glasses are equally important. Thank you.
This reaction comes after he tells his wife to hide some of the ~real crystal~ from First Class in her bag. Again, that generous sibling is footing the bill for them to fly to France, so I guess ball out while you can.
So, say what you want about those burglars, AKA the worst burglars in the history of breaking and entering, but it seems like Frank isn't just a kind uncle to go on a trip with. Frank does not keep the Christmas spirit alive.
