There's No Way You'll Pass This Home Alone Quiz
- by Ben Gibson
- – on
- in Movies and TV
All alone. All by yourself. Flyin' solo. Call it whatever you want, but it's already been done. By 8 year old Kevin McCallister, that is. Back in 1990, John Hughes and Chris Columbus brought us what would quickly become the third highest grossing comedy in motion picture history (give or take a few notches).
Young Kevin is accidentally left at home when the McCallister family leaves for a vacation abroad in Europe. The problem is there are just too many people milling around and in and out of the family's home; Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and holiday well-wishers. Not to mention one bogus cop who's just scoping out potential targets to rob while families are away for the season. In the hustle and bustle of the early morning rush to make the plane on time, the 8 year old McCallister is accidentally miscounted for, and the entire clan speeds off to the airport completely unaware of their drastic miscalculation!
But the real excitement begins after Kevin realizes his predicament (or opportunity, rather) and his panic has passed. Because the storm is most often preceded by the calm. Young Kevin soon discovers his house is a primary target for larceny; and prepares himself for the forthcoming onslaught. That's when the real fun begins! But 1990 was a long time ago; almost 30 years, to be exact. So how many times did you watch it? How many copies have you bought over the years? Plenty, you say? Then, by all means, let's put it to the test and see just how much you can recall.
How many kids are there in the McCallister house at the beginning of the movie?
Family vacations are stressful. But, even more so when you throw in extended family. Brothers, sisters, cousins, second cousins, so on and so forth. Residents, guests, aunts, uncles, blah, blah, blah ... the list just goes on and on. But, one thing is for sure and that's that the McCallister clan is NO exception to the rule. Honestly, how could you believe that nothing would wrong when you're playing those kinds of odds? It's a whole lotta kids, all in varying sizes and shapes.
Where are the McCallisters vacationing to?
Where do you go to spend the holidays? It probably depends on where you live or where you're from. If you reside in a colder climate, you'd probably want to go somewhere warm. Whereas, if you live somewhere more tropical, you're probably longing more for snow and long nights by the fire. But the McCallisters decided to kick it up a notch. Did they opt for more southern, sunnier weather or perhaps visiting some relatives in New York? No. They decided to go international and hop the pond to Europe.
Why doesn't anyone need to feed Buzz's tarantula while they're gone?
Daddy long legs, tarantulas, black widows; to most of us, spiders are just plain creepy. The way they look, the way they move, the way they seem to stare at you with all those eyes; it's just too much. But, boy-oh-boy can they set the scene in a heartbeat when you need to convey the feeling of fear. That's right, just let it jump or touch you, or crawl across you. Don't believe it? Just ask one of the robbers, they'll tell you.
What major holiday is this movie centered around?
Major holidays always make for good backdrops in the movies. Whether is Thanksgiving, or New Years, or the 4th of July, people always seem to be at their most emotional during those gala, red-letter days of the year. And, with highly-emotional people around (especially in a large group), something's bound to go wrong! This kind of formula can be applied to any genre: comedy, romance, drama, horror ... you name it. When folks are this wound up, there are always going to be consequences.
What time were the McCallisters supposed to leave for the airport?
There are all kinds of ways to keep track of the time and to know when you're supposed to be somewhere in particular. Alarm clocks, travel alarm clocks, wake-up calls, just to name a few. "Home Alone" premiered in 1990; so we were all about a decade away from being able to set the alarm on your cell phone. Who knows, had they filmed it in 2000, maybe the gang wouldn't have been late to the airport and maybe Kevin wouldn't have been left behind. Of course, that would've been a much shorter movie.
What is Kevin's favorite kind of pizza?
Pizza is definitely one of those foods meant to satisfy the masses. Not just because we all like it soooo much; but also because there's a seemingly endless number of combinations. There's pizza with just meats, or with just vegetables, or a wild combination of both. Why not get a flavored crust while you're at it? Or you can get the crust stuffed with another topping for that matter. You can drizzle on some other flavoring or maybe you want the whole thing in the shape of a heart. The possibilities are staggering!
What airline do the McCallisters fly?
Lots of airlines make for lots of choices. Is it one-way? Is it round-trip? First class, business class, or coach? Do you need a big plane, a small plane, perhaps a private jet? So many options, when all you really want to do is get from point A to point B. Of course, if your flying, you may have to go from point A to point C before you can ever even get to point B. But, an airline is an airline, does it really matter which one. For this question, it does.
What kind of aftershave does Kevin use?
Hands-down, one of, if not the most famous scene in the movie. It's that classic facial expression that put Macaulay Culkin on the 'Hollywood map.' Is it the hands on the cheeks; or the raised eyebrows over the wide-open eyes? Who's to say? They all combine to make one, unforgettable declaration, aftershave stings. Whatever the reason or how it was done, it was moment that none of us would ever forget. A perfectly-timed comedic pronouncement, that would be forever frozen in time.
What is the name of the old man, who salts the sidewalks every night?
It doesn't matter where you live, or where you grew up, or even where you're from; everyone has had a neighbor or a house on their street like this one. Nobody ever goes in, people hardly ever come out. Why are the curtains always drawn? How come it continually looks dark and foreboding in there, even in the middle of the day? This one is, however a little different. The old man wanders out every night, going up and down the streets, salting the sidewalks.
What are the names of the two robbers?
Let's face it, if two people are breaking into your house and they're both brandishing crowbars; you may not be all that concerned with their names. Especially if you're all alone. Once someone has crossed that threshold, your main concern is simply to get away. Okay, maybe some of us might stay to defend our home (Kevin included), but alot of us would just stumble over everything on our way out the door. But, for the sake of this question, do you remember their names?
What is the name of the movie Kevin is watching when the pizza is delivered?
Alright, so the situation is what it is and there's not a whole lot you can do about it. You've gone ahead and decided to ride it out. But you certainly can't let everyone and their neighbor know that you're sitting there all alone in a great big house, can you? Of course you can't! That's why Kevin comes up with the ingenious idea of playing a gangster movie on the loud speakers anytime someone gets too close to the door. You'd believe it, wouldn't you?
What is the name of the cousin Kevin is supposed to sleep with?
Bunk mates can be annoying. Especially when they're younger than you. You just want a good night's sleep, that's all. Yet, somebody's stealing the covers, or snoring too loud, or their feet are too cold. Can't they sleep someplace else? Or with someone else? Whatever the case may be, it's a pain. And, usually, all the whining and complaining just gets you nowhere. Being a kid can be rough. Particularly when you have to share your with your little cousin, who's notorious for wetting the bed.
What do people keep knocking over whenever they pull up to the house?
For any of you who don't know, winter conditions can play havoc on your car, let alone your tires. Whether it's the snow piling up on the driveway, the icy sidewalks (good thing the old man lives next door), or the terrible visibility, it's never easy. Whatever the case may be, frigid temperatures are not a friend of the automobile. Now, factor in the little, tiny detail that you have to deliver that pizza in twenty minutes or less; otherwise it's free.
What muderous title does Buzz give the old man who lives next door?
"He mostly kept to himself." "He really was a quiet man." These are the kinds of things people say when they find out they've been living next door to murderer. Once there's a camera in your face, you try your best to come up with something clever or something memorable to say. Or what if you coin the creative nickname the papers will eventually use for the suspect in question? But, most of the time, the best we can come up with is ... "I always knew there was something strange going on."
When Kevin goes into the basement, what is he afraid of?
Attics and basements are great for storage and household appliances, but that's about it. The majority of the time, they're just there to strike fear into our hearts! They're dark, they're dank, and they usually have a funny smell, too. Places like this are generally homes to alot of things like spiders (and cobwebs), mice, and pretty much anything creepy and crawly. The truth is, you don't necessarily have to be a kid to be afraid of the basement. The biggest difference is when you're older, somebody's gotta do the laundry.
Where do the McCallisters live?
It's winter time in Illinois, so it doesn't really matter whether you're talking about the southern or the northern part of the state. It's COLD!! In one of the sequels, "Home Alone 2," the McCallisters are spending the holiday season in Miami. It's amazing the difference a thousand miles can make when it comes to the temperature. But the important thing is that Kevin's mom is just trying to get back home to her baby boy. And it's a long way from Europe to the Midwest.
What does Kevin have for dinner the night of the robbery?
The young McCallister really does fairly well at keeping up a routine, despite that fact that he knows his house is about to be ransacked by burglars. He goes to church, he lights the lights, and he even makes himself a rather tasty microwave dinner. It kind of begs the question what would be your last meal ... if you knew you were about to be robbed? You'd most certainly want something light, would you not? Anything too heavy would just sit in your stomach and slow you down.
According to Kevin, who are the little, green army men for?
Who among us doesn't grab a little something for themselves when they run out to the store. For some, it might be ice-cream, for others a tabloid rag in the check-out line, or maybe some chocolate to hold you over 'till dinner. For 8 year old Kevin, it's some toys; and why not? There's a possibility your gonna lose all your cool stuff when those two vagrants show up later, anyway. But, rather than look like a total adolescent, Kevin does his best to cover.
What's the name of the pizza delivery company?
Ahhh ... pizza. So many toppings, so many slices, so many choices. Where does one begin? Picking your favorite pizza place, that's where. Well, that and you'd better be sure they deliver. After all, who wants to ride all the way home with that intoxicating smell wafting over from the seat next to you. As a matter of fact, the McCallisters order alot of pizza; therefore, they must be loyal to one restaurant in particular. The question is, do you remember which one?
What name do the burglars give themselves?
If you're gonna do something wrong, something notorious, if you wanna be infamous; you need a name. You need a title that sticks. Something that people will remember; possibly something that can strike fear into the hearts of many. After all, once your crime spree becomes the big story at the top of the hour, you want something flashy to come up on the screen. A pseudonym that sets you apart from the riff-raff. What you need is a really catchy handle.
How many sequels are there to this movie?
There was a time, not too long ago, when the company standard for sequels was two; a trilogy, three movies altogether. Then the idea of the prequel began to grow in popularity. Following that, some production company got brave and decided to tempt fate and try four instead of the traditional three. Now-a-days, some movies have as many as six or seven sequels. It seems as though once Hollywood opened the floodgates, anything was up for grabs. But is it a help or a hindrance?
Just how many booby traps do the two thieves fall victim to?
If it wasn't such a hilariously funny family movie, some of us might stop just long enough to ask, "How much punishment can the human body take?!" For these two swindlers, it's a whole heck of alot. Clothes irons, rusty nails, and blow torches, just to name a few. It makes you wonder at what point did it stop being about the robbery and start being about payback. Maybe you can only endure so much abuse before it changes your focus.
What kind of deodorant does Kevin use?
It seems that once young Kevin decides that he's actually gotten his wish, it's just business as usual. That includes decorating the tree, doing the laundry, and sticking to his daily hygiene routine. Then again, with access to any bathroom you choose, an abundant supply of hot water, and some catchy tunes; why wouldn't bath time be lots of fun? There's no one rushing you, banging on the door, or complaining that you used their favorite towel. Perhaps that's the simple difference between having to bathe and wanting to.
What color are the lights outside the McCallister's house?
Half the reason for celebrating any holiday is the opportunity to decorate the house. It can be spring, summer, autumn, or winter; it's doesn't really matter. There's streamers and confetti, candles inside jack-o-lanterns, or hearts or shamrocks plastered all over the door. Some think it's all a pain and a waste of time. While others believe that it's all part of a long-standing, family tradition. Yet, others see it as an out and out competition. Whatever the reason, whichever the holiday, nothing says, celebrate, like a little extra flair.
How long does it take for Kevin's mom to get home?
How quick is quick enough? How soon is soon enough? Which route is the fastest? When it come to your kids, the answer is, none of them. No matter which way you go or how you get there, you just can't there swiftly enough. Because whatever the circumstance may be, your children are never going to be as safe as they are when they're with you. And that's all Kevin's mom can think about. It's not the how she's getting there that matters, it just the getting there that counts.
Where does Kevin get the money from?
Most people, before they go away on a long trip, like to empty out the refrigerator. Nobody likes the thought of food slowly spoiling while they're gone; 'cause that just leads to a smelly mess you have to deal with once you get home. So, it's no wonder that little Kevin had to make a trip or two to the market. What's a kid to do? What's a kid to eat? More importantly, where does an 8 year old get the money for all this?
What song is playing during one of the famous, "aftershave" scenes?
Who among us doesn't love to croon in the shower or in front of the mirror (especially when no one else is looking). Okay, maybe not croon ... but at least lip-sync. After all, the bathroom and the shower really are the one place in the house where the acoustics are just about perfect. The tiled walls, the linoleum floors, and just enough towels and bath mats to buffer the excess noise; it's practically like having your own private recording studio.
What does Kevin steal from the store?
No one ever really means to steal anything. Okay, scratch that. MOST people don't ever really mean to steal anything; not on purpose. But almost all of us are guilty of it in some way, shape, or form. You had to endorse your check at the bank and you accidentally walked out with one of their pens. You needed to borrow some sugar from the neighbor and you keep forgetting to return the cup. And Kevin didn't mean to do it, either. It just happened.
Who saves Kevin at the last minute?
It's a house full of horrors and it's definitely a house full of pain. They're clever little traps, each and every one of them. And Kevin does a stellar job of staving of the thieves until they finally catch up with him. But, as so often is the case in a fun, little romp like this, our villains get so caught up in their need for retaliation, they forget to cover their tracks and to look over there shoulders for whom or what might be lurking behind them.
What time is it when Kevin runs out of the church, the night of the robbery?
Much like Cinderella and her story, 8 year old Kevin hears the bell toll, and he knows it's time to get home before it's too late. It's kind of a shame, too; he was having such a great conversation with the creepy, old man. But, unfortunately, there's alot of ground to cover and alot of traps that have to be set. You have to secure the perimeter, prepare for a forced entry anywhere in the house; that sort of thing. But, most of all, you want to make sure they never come back.
What happens to Kevin's grocery bags on the way home?
Paper or plastic? How long have they been asking that question? Perhaps there's pros and cons to both. The paper bags or sturdier, more durable. Until they get wet, that is. The plastic bags travel better; they stretch and conform to their own contents. They even have handles to carry them with! But don't overload them, they can't handle the weight. So, what's one to do. Perhaps all you can do is weigh out your options and make your best guess. Or you could say, " ... it's just a movie. Let's wait and see what happens."
What color sweater is Kevin wearing the night of the big altercation?
So, if you're in the fight of your life (or just trying to keep the burglars at bay), how important is what you wear. Should you dress casual; dress for tactical maneuverability, or do you just want to be comfortable for this sort of thing. But, of course, there's also the weather to consider as well. Who knows, if you're going to be running from someone, you should probably dress warm. Robin Williams once said it best, " ... if you're going to fight, clash!"
How does Kevin get "counted" along with the other kids, while he's actually still in bed?
It's been said before, that's a whole lot of kids, a whole lot of plane tickets, a whole lot of passports, and a whole lot just to keep track of. It's bad enough when you have to keep watch over that many kids on a trip to anywhere; but when you've overslept and at least half your group is convinced you won't make it on time anyway, who wouldn't make a mistake?! Actually, it's kind of a miracle that Kevin is the only one who got left behind.
Why is the old man so miserable and lonely?
It's truly amazing sometimes the amount of knowledge and experience the elderly have. Sadly, we either don't care or just don't understand that sort of thing until we find ourselves in that very same situation. There we are, saying the same things somebody once said to us; and realizing the person we're talking to probably isn't getting it either. But, if you're really lucky ... if you do listen, if you do pay attention, and you do understand; maybe you'll learn something valuable in the process.
Why were the McCallisters late for their flight?
Whether it's travel plans, or appointments, or just a plain old workday, there are so many factors that come into play. Otherwise even the teeniest of details can make anything and everything go wrong. For some people, it's their morning shower; for others it can be that first (or second or third) cup of coffee. Sometimes you can't find the dang keys, or maybe you just can't seem to locate that matching shoe. Whatever the case or occasion may be, the truth is ... anything can ruin your day.
What is the name of the shuttle service to the airport?
Whew! Thirty-five questions! You've made it a long way. So these last few questions should get easier, right? Wrong. The last five are the "Double Jeopardy" category; the "Fast Money" round; the final spin of the wheel. These five enigmas are to see just how good you are at spotting the little details ... and then remembering them. Are you ready? Take a deep breath, 'cause here we go! This movie has a boat-load of McCallisters and not enough 'boats.' So, how else do you get a herd this size to the airport on time?
Besides the winter boots and galoshes, what brand of shoes does Kevin wear?
Believe it or not, looks and image can mean alot to kids. Just ask some poor, unfortunate tot who's been creamed on the playground for sleeping with a stuffed animal at nap time. Obviously, when you're a kid, you don't have much say in the clothes that your parents buy for you. What you do with them or who you show them to is a bit more in your control. So why not start at the bottom, with the feet of course! Do you remember what shoes you were wearing when you were eight years old?
What time do our two henchmen begin their raid on the McCallister home?
If you can remember what the answer was to question 30, you might have a chance at figuring this one out. Of course, you have to factor in how long it took little Kevin to get from the church back to the house; and how long did it take to make his holiday dinner? And, what about all those booby traps? Not only do you have to figure how long it took to set each one ... but when, as well.
Where is the bed located that Kevin is supposed to sleep in?
So, we all know about Kevin and his cousin, the infamous bed-wetter. But have you ever wondered just what's going on behind those big, over-sized glasses. Does he drink all that soda on purpose? Does he have some little, mini-sized grudge against Kevin that we're not aware of? Why? WHY?! We need to know why! Actually, you don't. If you recall, they don't actually end up in the same bed; Kevin gets punished and sent off to sleep somewhere by himself.
What is the name of the store Kevin steals from?
(Big sigh) Last question! You made it! But this one's a doozy! Only a true "Home Alone" fan should be able to answer this! It really is the tiniest of details; one of those times where you almost have to pause the movie to see it. It's Final Jeopardy time, folks! This one's for all the simoleons! Don't give up, though. Just try some of those strategies they taught you in school when it comes to multiple choice questions. Think, think, think!!