Do you love talking about Films? Are you trying to watch more films in English?
Thinking in English will host a special
CHRISTMAS
Film Club: Premiere
at 18:00 (UTC) on Wednesday 18th December!
Join us to discuss…. Home Alone!
You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
Film Club – Home Alone IMDb – Conversation Questions –
Useful Resources – Vocabulary – Example Answers
What is the Thinking in English Film Club?
The Film Club is a great opportunity for Thinking in English Patreon members to practice their conversational English by discussing a film with other members.
Members meet every week on Wednesdays at 6pm UK Time to discuss Films and TV. Most weeks there is no specific topic and you do not have to watch or prepare anything before joining. It’s just a free chat about films!
However at the end of each month we have a special Film Club: Premiere where we discuss one specific film. Earlier in the month, members have voted for what film they want to discuss and just like in the normal Conversation Clubs we will provide 10 questions about the film to help to inspire you.
You can find these (and some other useful resources) below…
For our next Film Club: Premiere on Wednesday 18th December, it is our Christmas special! We will be discussing Home Alone (1990). This film needs almost no introdcution because it seems to be one of the most popular family films in every country in the world. The only thing that might be different in your language is the title!
Home Alone
(1990)
What is Home Alone
Here is a movie description for Home Alone
Home Alone (1990) is a very famous family Christmas film staring a very young Macauley Caulkin and a not so young Joe Pesci!
The story follows eight-year-old Kevin whose big chaotic family scramble to get everyone ready for a family Christmas holiday to France in the film’s iconic opening scene. As everyone probably already knows, in all the madness, Kevin is left at home… alone!
He is thrilled to be free to do whatever he likes and live like a king! However danger awaits beacause, while Kevin’s mother does everything she can to get back to him, two local burglars plot to rob the family home.
The film is funny, exciting and hearfelt and explores themes of adulthood (at least through the eyes of a child), responsibility, carefree fun and the complexity of family relationships.
What do you think of Home Alone, is it a bit overrated? Or does it justify its reputation as one of the most popular family Christmas films all across the world?
Join us for the Film Club Premiere on 18th December to share your thoughts!
Conversation Questions and Talking Points!
- What did you think about Kevin’s character? What do you think makes him so likeable?
- What scenes do you remember the most clearly? Why?
- Which other character do you like? Talk about one other supporting character and describe their story and personality.
- Have you seen this film before? Do you normally watch it at Christmas? What is your personal realtionship with this film?
- Do you think that the burglars (the “Wet Bandits”) are good villains? How do they compare to the antagonists in other family films?
- Do you think Kevin’s mother is a good mother? Why or why not?
- Do you think this film has a message? What do you think children learn from this film?
- What do you think Kevin learns about adulthood in this film?
- Discuss the role of family in the film?
- In your opinion, is this one of the best family films ever? Why or why not?
And finally, how would you describe the film to someone who has never seen it before? Would you recommend it? Why?
Do you have any more thoughts or questions? Why not prepare 1 or 2 more of your own questions or opinions about the film?!
Useful Resources
To help you prepare for the Film Club, you might want to look at the following useful online resources:
IMDb Page
IMDb page where you can find everything about the film including: Videos, Characters, Cast and Crew, Plot Synopsis, Quotes, Reviews and more!
In-depth YouTube Review
YouTube channel Chris Stuckman breaks down the film and its impact
Negative Written Review
Cinema From The Spectrum have written this controversial take-down of Home Alone!
Do you think they have a point?
Vocabulary
The Home Alone Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Conversation Club!.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
General Film Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Thinking in English Conversation Club.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
Example Answers
6. Do you think Kevin’s mother is a good mother? Why or why not?
B1 Example Answer
B2 Example Answer
C1 Example Answer
See you all at the Film Club!
