Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House

Movie review by Joly Herman, Common Sense Media
Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Recycled gags with none of the original's charm.

NR 2003 83 minutes
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 7 reviews

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 50 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the young child in this slapstick comedy has to face adult burglars by himself because nobody believes that he's telling the truth. The kid's attempts at fighting back include lots of slapstick violence and comedic peril (falls, injuries, hot fondue incidents) ... just like in the rest of the Home Alone movies. There are also clumsy attempts at coping with the issues of divorce and adult relationships.

Community Reviews

Lebron12James3
Lebron12James3 Adult
December 15, 2021
age 18+

Horrifc

Truly horrifying

This title has:

Too much violence
Dorixom
Dorixom Adult
March 26, 2021
age 6+

LOL

MPAA Rate that now because BBFC says U and you would say G/PG
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Kevin (Mike Weinberg) is caught in the middle of his parents' divorce ... and it's Christmas. He goes to his dad's (Jason Beghe) girlfriend's (Clare Carey) house and helps foil a plot by bad guy Marv (French Stewart) and his girlfriend (Missi Pyle) to kidnap a member of the visiting royal family.

Is It Any Good?

The jokes fall flat, and the smart observations sound like they're being read off a cue card. In the HOME ALONE franchise, so much hangs on the little hero, Kevin. Macaulay Culkin's comedic timing and precocious remarks made for great entertainment, but Weinberg just doesn't have the chops to carry this movie's weak script.

The supporting cast isn't as lame: The bad guys are pretty amusing, though they get beaten to a pulp. But serious subjects like divorce and parenting get thrown around too lightly -- and lamely -- to make this good kids' entertainment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the high-priced toys and gadgets seen in this movie. What's your reaction to seeing so many fancy gifts and toys? Does it make you want them or feel dissatisfied with what you have? Here are some ways to talk about material excess in movies like this one.

  • How is the topic of divorce handled in this movie? Does it seem realistic? Do you have any personal experience with divorce? How is your experience different from what happened in this movie? What are some ways adults can reassure kids affected by divorce?

  • How does slapstick violence affect kids? Does the comedy make it less realistic? Check out this article for more information.

Movie Details

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