Chris Columbus was originally hired by John Hughes to direct National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation; however, after 2 meetings with Chevy Chase, Columbus told Hughes, “There’s no way I can do this movie. I know I need to work, but I can’t do it with this guy.” Hughes then sent Columbus two scripts, one of which was Home Alone.

Subtle foreshadowing.

When the milk is spilled on the counter after the cheese pizza confrontation in the kitchen, Peter McCallister cleans up the mess to save the family’s passports and airline tickets; however, as he tosses the damp napkins in the trash, he also disposes of one lone ticket by mistake. If you look very closely, you’ll find a name on the ticket in black marker that reads: Kevin.