Chase has struck gold with its ongoing Home Alone-inspired holiday campaign, blending humor, nostalgia, and star power to promote the Freedom Unlimited card.
The bank has successfully reimagined moments from the classic Christmas film by tapping into its enduring cultural legacy, with a particular focus on Catherine O’Hara reprising a role reminiscent of her iconic portrayal as Kevin McCallister’s frazzled mom.
In the latest installment, created by Brooklyn-based SPCSHP and titled Kevins, Catherine O’Hara returns to the holiday shopping chaos, this time in a bustling mall filled with, well, Kevins. The commercial kicks off with Kevin Hart steering a model train dubbed “The Freedom Unlimited,” a nod to Chase’s credit card perks.
O’Hara’s confusion deepens as she spots basketball legend Kevin Garnett browsing sleeveless hoodies and—perhaps the biggest throwback—Macaulay Culkin himself, struggling with holiday shopping bags spilling across the floor.
The group of Kevins soon embarks on a comedic shopping spree, highlighting the Freedom Unlimited card’s cash-back benefits, including 5% on travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on other purchases.
As the ad unfolds, Chase cleverly ties together its promotional message with playful callbacks to the spirit of Home Alone, leaving viewers smiling as the group tours the mall together. Watch below:
A Nostalgic Tradition
This ad isn’t Chase’s first foray into Home Alone nostalgia. The campaign began three years ago when the bank brought back O’Hara to capitalize on her unforgettable role in the 1990 holiday classic. The ad cleverly tapped into viewers’ affection for the film while seamlessly tying it to Chase’s credit card offerings.
In the standout 2021 spot, Kevin Hart and Catherine O’Hara recreated the frantic holiday rush with Hart playing the mischievous foil to O’Hara’s exasperated shopper. Their on-screen chemistry resonated with audiences, setting the tone for future installments.
In subsequent years, Chase doubled down on the nostalgia by including references to the Home Alone universe, bringing Macaulay Culkin back into the fold to the delight of longtime fans. These ads brilliantly balanced humor with heartfelt nods to the beloved holiday movie, making them a seasonal highlight.
Why It Works
The Home Alone-inspired ads succeed because they blend Chase’s brand message with a story that viewers feel emotionally connected to. Catherine O’Hara’s presence instantly taps into the warmth and humor of the original movie, while the addition of celebrities like Kevin Hart, Kevin Garnett, and Macaulay Culkin keeps the campaign fresh and relevant.
Moreover, the ads are perfectly timed for the holiday season, when nostalgia and family memories are at the forefront of consumers’ minds. By leaning into Home Alone’s timeless appeal, Chase ensures its Freedom Unlimited card remains top of mind during the busiest shopping period of the year
As Chase continues to expand its Home Alone-inspired campaign, the blend of humor, star power, and cash-back perks ensures that the Freedom Unlimited card remains a must-have for holiday shoppers. Whether it’s Catherine O’Hara’s exasperated charm or Kevin Hart’s larger-than-life antics, the commercials capture the joy (and chaos) of the season while offering practical solutions for consumers.
This year’s Kevin’s spot is a delightful continuation of a tradition that has become a highlight of the holiday advertising season. With every laugh and nod to the past, Chase reinforces its brand while keeping the spirit of Home Alone alive and well.
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