Since being released 30 years ago, Home Alone has been a favorite classic movie in many homes, especially during the festive season. It shows two burglars trying to break into the McCallister home only to be thwarted by an 8-year old who’s left behind. What does he use to stop the burglars? Over a dozen homemade booby traps. Here we take you through some of the potentially deadly booby traps used in the McCallister’s home.
The fake light bulb
On breaking into the basement, Marv goes looking for the light switch. He sees what appears to be a switch and pulls it. Instead of the overhead light coming on, a hot iron box drops through the laundry chute and hits him right on his face. Even if the iron box were to fall from seven feet in real life, Marv would still end up with a broken eye socket and damaged eye.
The hot doorknob
Harry goes to the front door and tries to open it. Too bad. He doesn’t know that Kevin had heated the doorknob from the inside, making it very hot. It ends up burning Harry on the hand and leaves a mark “M” from the doorknob. Just looking at how hot the doorknob is, Harry’s lucky to escape with a burn. In real life, a hot doorknob would have burnt his hand completely. Or he would have gotten an infection.
Staircase covered with tar
Marv was trying to get out of the basement through the stair, not knowing that Kevin smeared it with tar. The tar sticks on Marv’s shoe, and he takes them off, thinking he can go up only to step on a nail with his barefoot. The danger in this scene may not be instant, but it is still a deadly booby trap. If the nail were rusty, Marv would have easily contracted tetanus if he had skipped the vaccination.
Staircase fall
The danger involved in this booby trap may not look serious, but icy steps are deadly. In this scene, Marv slides and falls from the first staircase to the bottom. Staircase falls are some of the most reported cases. In this case, Marv would suffer from serious injuries such as back pains and head injuries, which could potentially lead to death.
Paint cans
Marv and Harry decide to go upstairs to get a hold of Kevin, but he stops them by swinging paint can. On releasing the paint can, it hits the heads of both burglars. You can only guess what would have happened to both thugs if Kevin had swung the can of paint with more vigor. They’d be lucky to escape with head knocks instead of traumatic head injuries such as cracked skulls.
Rope on the treehouse
Kevin gets to the treehouse that is connected to the main house using a rope. Marv and Harry try to go after him using the same rope. Kevin waits for a moment then brings out the pruning shears and snips the rope. The two burglars swing and hit the brick wall of the main house. In actual life, the impact alone would have broken their bones or ribs, and the fall left them with lifelong injuries.
Conclusion
As humorous as some scenes appear, the booby traps Kevin deploys in Home Alone aren’t a laughing matter in real life. Some of the traps are deadly. But we all laugh at the cat-and-mouse games and the slapstick. Next time you watch Home Alone, think of how anyone can walk out with a straight face after getting hit with a four-pound steam iron.
In an age of extravagance, minimalist interior design is a welcome splash of fresh air for home. De-cluttering the extraneous, prioritizing function, and embracing sleek visual beauty, minimalism is more a philosophy than a style. While minimalist interiors to others appear sparse or too minimalist, real estate trends indicate that minimalist, uncluttered houses are what […]
When designing a small space kitchen planners use smart solutions that help to save space and create a practical clutter-free kitchen environment for space and cooking things. A small space kitchen design can be very functional and beautiful if every inch is used and the right materials are selected. Having a small kitchen can be […]
Along with other furniture, storage units for living room play a vital role in Indian households. From handcrafted artifacts to vases and books, everything is stored in these units. Adding storage units for living room makes the space truly multipurpose while also acting as a fine decor element. Vivid products like TV units, bookshelves, consoles, […]
A well-designed driveway not only adds value to your property but also improves functionality and curb appeal. When it comes to creating a durable, attractive parking area, choosing the right type of parking tiles are essential. Parking tiles are specifically designed to withstand the weight of vehicles, resist weather elements, and maintain their appearance over […]
Looking to transform your dining space? A modern crockery unit design can be the key element for the upgrade! In addition to its usefulness, an ideal crockery unit design provides a less cluttered space, adds ease of access, and serves as a feature of your home. Recent innovations in design also allow you to adapt […]
Modular houses are prefabricated structures built in modules manufactured and assembled on-site. They are built under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials, and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time. As a result, this reduces the construction cost to 30% to 50% less than […]
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design […]
One of the significant decor elements for the living room is the sofa. Sofa designs for living room radiates the feeling of comfort, the dweller’s personality, and their personal touch to the design. From traditional Indian settees to modern-day lounges, with plenty of choices available, it can be puzzling what to choose. With this curation […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]