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An abandoned 1988 version would have cast Michael Kleeseck as Henry, Jesse Bradford as Mark, Mary Steenburgen as Susan, and Michael Lehmann as director.

Wendy Crewson (disputed); the therapist; Daniel Hugh Kelly (debated)

Henry holding his hand just out of Connie’s reach beneath the ice is the moment the movie rises another level.

Culkin’s bankability: yes

Tom Hanks as Mark’s father

A prestige series is plausible but would lose the story’s compressed momentum

Macaulay Culkin

Mr. Highway

“Once you realize you can do anything, you’re free” is offered, along with practical lessons to hire a sitter and supervise a dangerous child.

Macaulay Culkin for performance; Kit Culkin as the shadow producer

The film’s extreme premise, compressed plot logic, and numerous obvious nitpicks make its unintentional comedy unusually strong on a rewatch.