To some folks, “Home Alone 2” is just the same movie again (and they’re right). But to others, it’s an “obscene artifact”—and a superior sequel at that. On today’s show, old podcast pal and literary agent extraordinaire Noah Ballard makes his case for why Kevin McCallister’s Christmas déjà vu succeeds in going darker, showcasing unforgettable audio technology, and presaging the ills of the next American century.

Everybody say, “Hiya, pal!”