Macaulay Culkin Shouldn't Be Here

[@DodfordYT]

Happy to close out 2024 with this! Had a lot of fun editing this one, especially because of the soundtrack. Yes, I'm able to use mainstream music and monetize my videos. Shout out to Lickd, who makes it possible! It's so worth it for anyone looking to up their production value. Check them out at go.lickd.co/Dodford-Xmas :) See you in the new year! Already got most of 2025's videos pencilled in. Let's keep tellin stories ❤

[@JordanSitts]

Thank you so much for all the awesome content! Had a great time watching your stuff this year!

[@randomthingsxd9030]

🗣️🔥

[@zabooka]

hi

[@Digitalhunny]

_Annnnnnnnd...._ *SUB!* 😂😂❤

[@robb.snacks3127]

Excellent work and edit. It takes a lot of energy and forethought to give a bunch of interview clips that much narrative and style. Really cool. Keep ‘em coming.

[@taylorsilver2566]

That poor kid went through so much. I'm so filled with joy that he made it out.

[@Flippant-j5d]

The kid who dug the cobalt out of an African mine in order to make the battery for your phone has it worse.

[@JimmyRussle]

@@Flippant-j5d ah yes, we cant be happy for anyone because someone somewhere has it worse. Brain dead take on your part. "Congrats on getting that new job, but you should feel terrible because Joe down the street just got laid off, so screw you for being happy." That's what you sound like.

[@AceSimGaming]

@@Flippant-j5d and your point? Statistically a person always has it better/worse than someone else. You know what would help that kid in Africa better than your comment? A donation or anything else that's useful. Since you have it better than that kid c:

[@b3rnardTF2]

@@Flippant-j5d unrelated?!

[@Flippant-j5d]

@@b3rnardTF2 Not at all, I'm just pointing out a stark hypocrisy.

[@finchcarvingadiamond]

He probably doesn't even know it but he's a hero for a lot of young people who've endured abuse. I used to love home alone because of the cathartic vengeance he was able to enact, his ability to express being wronged by his family, and his mother flying back to APOLOGIZE and give him a hug. It only hit me why that made me cry as a kid. But Macaulay's life story is even better. He broke free of so many binds. That's a dream for a lot of people come true.

[@sugarplumfairycakes]

@finchcarvingadiamond AGREED!

[@sarahwarnock2707]

Yes!👏👏👏

[@БогданКрименюк]

Damn, how many children are abused worldwide ? Why is the world like this ? Why are the people like this ?

[@sugarplumfairycakes]

@@БогданКрименюк Because demons walk among us my friend.

[@AnyMotoUSA]

The best of us endured despite our situations.

[@og_jakey]

The way he spoke his love to his wife & children in public like that... Bro found real family. Thank fk for that. Beautiful.

[@Mayhamsdead]

BRO DID WHAT? FR FR NO CAP ON GOD?! BET!

[@nancykozorezova3549]

@@Mayhamsdeadyou good?

[@ashleyadeline1537]

It warms my heart to see him with his family

[@Mayhamsdead]

@@nancykozorezova3549 IT'S STR8 BUSSIN' OML SHAKIN' MY GYATT FOR THE RIZZLER OHAIO FENUM TAX SHIEEEEEEEET!!

[@oxy6082]

@@Mayhamsdead ON MY MOMMA NO OHIO THE RIZZLER IS SKIBIDI THE RIZZLER IS SKIBIDI

[@EpicGammingCrew]

Ability to tell a story thru interviews and old clips is unparalleled. Love your style

[@DodfordYT]

Appreciate it! Just trying to improve one video at a time

[@APOLON-bm7ym]

Unique gift really...

[@khakishark]

This man should be an icon

[@sololimbo]

Agreed so clean cozy does Macaulay and Chris Columbus service

[@TheYungPrince]

You should watch Tupac: Resurrection

[@TheElbowMerchant]

Home Alone is practically mandatory Christmas viewing in my family, and I've never gotten sick of it.

[@xBaleb]

1 or 2?

[@TheElbowMerchant]

@xBaleb Gotta go with 1. Haven't seen 2 since I was a kid, but I remember it being okay, just not on the same level of the original.

[@xBaleb]

@@TheElbowMerchant watch 2 this Christmas that one is my favorite

[@TheElbowMerchant]

@@xBaleb I'll give it a run. It's been a while, so it might be a fun change of pace.

[@Armadillo750]

Along with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Both are classic Christmas staples.

[@daisana]

It's no surprise where he went after being a child star, but what is a surprise is him surviving from it because not a lot of child actors who succumbed to drugs do which is why I'm thankful he's still around with us even if he just wants a quiet life out of the spotlight unlike before. He's just a chill guy.

[@Libreom]

but he didn’t “succumb to drugs” lol. he says he was never rehabbed. never been to jail. didn’t get all his money taken. did you gloss over that part? after he got guardianship over himself he just lived his life like any of us, had good times and bad. and now he has a beautiful family and can be the father he always wished he had.

[@RespiroOfficial]

*****spotlight. Stoplight is different

[@JJ-006]

Drugs are the last thing child actors have to worry about in that industry

[@hexelnov7D9]

​@@JJ-006I know what you mean, but drug problem is definitely somewhere top of the list. I mean we're not talking some weed here,my guy.

[@daisana]

@@RespiroOfficial thanks, minor typo

[@thebestatless916]

Man how heartbreaking is it to hear your own parent take advantage of you like that and at the end of the day didn’t even like you. He even begged his dad no more movies. It’s a real treat we still have Culkin today and we get to see him real soon in the new Fallout series. Brilliant video, barely any narration and the rest from the words of third parties, and the man himself.

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

Not the first time this happened. Jackie Coogan who is better known as Uncle Fester. His mother and stepfather squandered his earnings as a child actor. Thus creating The Coogan Act which made it law to set a certain amount of the child's earnings in an account they can access as an adult.

[@Greendawn-di3dl]

@@rustyrelicsfarm2406good lord.

[@Kryxx07]

I'm the same age as Macaulay and grew up watching him. He overcame so much and it's awesome to see him now with his beautiful family.

[@samiam2003]

how old is he now? 48?

[@Kryxx07]

@samiam2003 44

[@78deathface]

Same

[@therunawaykid6523]

Yeah it’s lovely

[@CarniviusPrime]

@@samiam2003 44

[@koguma8823]

so glad he and brenda have each other

[@Proks7]

the only thing this was missing was some more time given to his wife and children. Brenda Song brought a sorta light to his life and resparked a lot of just emotional growth for him. Having a family being fundamentally different than the one he was raised in was a huge barrier for him.

[@SuuggestionKalaxy]

One day when I raise my own family, I'll remember these words. ♡

[@Vileplume87]

Really embodying "breaking the cycle of abuse" by giving his family the life and love he never had

[@PotHead98]

It was missing the entire Michael Jackson fiasco. It was probably the biggest story of his life.

[@TheAnimeViber]

He’s genuinely so inspirational. I’m glad he gets to live mostly in a somewhat private way, he is still famous but he’s not actively still starring in huge films, so he can relax unlike many other child actors who grew up.

[@shanky_716]

dude was literally just doing kid shit and people were hating on him for it calling him a drug addict, pretty sad honestly.

[@PhonePhone-sf8te]

he wasn't during those rumors, he eventually did get bad off. He got through it though.

[@ChrisBHP]

It may have actually been inspirational in strange kind of way. It's a great satisfaction to prove somebody wrong.

[@dewilew2137]

@@ChrisBHP except they weren’t wrong.

[@lazychild3]

I got legitimately teary eyed at the end there, excellent work.

[@Krystal_Kitty7]

Me too 😢❤

[@littlegirlblue9829]

☝🏾

[@youngdirkk]

Storytelling Skill Level: 9999999999

[@Psythik]

I loved how little narration was needed. Mac got to speak for himself. Top notch editing.

[@stripesthesecond8656]

This was so good

[@CantTellYou]

It’s really impressive. Outside of the ad read, I think he spoke _maybe_ 15 lines of narration & I didn’t even notice until it was over.

[@PotHead98]

Not really. He missed probably the most important part of the story which is the Michael Jackson situation.

[@chriscisco9880]

You know you’re good when you make a video about a person, and half the comments are about how good the video and editing is, not even mentioning the person

[@mj.l]

i had to skip the awful green day song. yuck

[@TheElbowMerchant]

Another evocative mini-doc, Dodford. And I'm glad Macaulay is doing well, because as the title implies, it's a minor miracle that he isn't severely damaged, or worse.

[@theiceking1035]

His Red Letter Media appearances are legendary

[@pogcompagni]

Im so glad he met famous actor and sex symbol Rich Evans III

[@floridaflamingogirl3119]

He was great on Good Mythical Morning too (the episode is called "Can We Bet On What This Bunny Wants")

[@HayleySulfridge]

You mean the intern that feeds Mr. Plinkett pizza rolls? He’s alright

[@allenrubinstein3696]

The RLM videos were my first exposure to Culkin's post-pubescent personality, and what a pleasure it was to see him so self-possessed and self-effacing. To see him rise above both child stardom and an abusive parent to become a young adult who's not only not an a*******e, but a fella who has it all going for him is quite the little miracle. The various Coreys parading themselves around as has-been damaged goods should watch every video of him while taking thorough notes.

[@poppers7317]

I hope he didn't catch any diabetes.

[@MasterDebator-l7u]

This one tugs at the heart strings, when Home Alone came out I was 7, so this movie has been a classic for me, and I’m happy Macaulay has a great life and family now

[@JosephDutra]

The man had so much put on him at such a young age and he rose back up stronger than ever, truly an inspiration. Glad he's doing so well!

[@cristysingalong]

This channel is a great example of how people are providing professional level documentaries for FREE! Just for the love of the game! There are so many talented people out in the world, and we’re lucky to have found one of them ❤

[@PotHead98]

He cut out 30% of his life. This isn't even accurate

[@dewilew2137]

And for the ad revenue.

[@BasickingYT]

I no joke just searched up your channel a few minutes ago to see if this documentary was uploaded yet, refreshed my youtube page, and now here we are. The snacks are ready, this is gonna be a great 19 minutes :)

[@iamjames8403]

Did you mean snack is ready?

[@tammushican4823]

​@@iamjames8403nope, "snacks" and "are" implies plural.

[@heartless2147]

I'm so proud of Macaulay Culkin. Not only did break the child star curse, but he also married and had kids with another child star Brenda Song. The fact I knew both of them through their work growing up is crazy. Mad respect to Macaulay, he said he was going to have half asian kids with Brenda in an interview while they were dating, and by god did he mean it.

[@degrassihoe5693]

This is a masterfully edited video. As a lifelong Mack fan, I appreciate your presentation of his life and legacy, especially that this was largely presented in his OWN words and told the true story rather than using buzz words. Macaulay Culkin is a hero to abuse survivors everywhere, and being a screen icon is just the icing on that cake. Lots of love to you for this ❤

[@littlemark01]

Culkin owned that part in Home Alone. Couldn't be done better

[@bradley163]

You have honestly the most beautifully produced videos on this platform, in my opinion. What you do is pure art, through and through. Keep going, sir. You have a fan for the long haul here.

[@DodfordYT]

Thank you 🧡

[@Personal-o7m]

I’m not here for Kevin from home alone, I’m here for Dodford

[@DodfordYT]

👋

[@ascarydemon]

Didn't realise how early I was to see this absolute banger. Well done, and thank you.

[@TracksWithDax]

1:11 never heard him called Mac, but that's a totally valid nickname lol

[@aspie-anarchist9854]

Really? They only call him Mac when he goes on redlettermedia.

[@CarniviusPrime]

It's often used. Probably cos many people forget how to spell Macaulay. :P

[@StruggleBusStudios]

Dod you did your Robin Williams’ doc with so much tact, respect and reverence. I knew you were the right creator to request making a love letter to someone so important to all of us late 90’s babies. I was wondering if you could potentially hit on some other influential but difficult individuals: Tupac, Chris Farley, Bourdain, Dave Chappelle, etc. You have this knack of digging up these quotes, voiceovers, clips, etc that would’ve been forgotten if not brought back to the light in the perfect context in your short docs.

[@DaddyLongLeg93]

'Lots of weird things happen to kids all the time, all around the world everyday. I have something to show for it.' 17:44

[@natmarie8227]

truly, for all that's messed up in this world, it brings me IMMENSE joy to know that Mac and Brenda found each other and share a beautiful love/life together. also, beautiful video! it made me cry multiple times lol. instant sub over here

[@ziggygunz2447]

Honestly I prefer the modern Mac that's doing things by choice rather than being used/force to like a beast of burden. I love when he shows up on random podcasts with like minded people like redlettermedia and the like. Not to mention all his brothers that have gotten into acting as well they're great too.

[@justyarn9939]

You know his children are NEVER gonna be forced into acting like he was

[@KennyPowersGaming]

I was at that perfect age to grow up with Mccauly, I think we’re the same age. To see him doing well and then also to find out he’s the exact kinda nerd that I am judging by his appearances on red letter media and angry video game nerd. It’s like seeing someone you thought was not gonna make it pull through and become a generally good dude. So proud❤

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

Watching Kevin outsmart the Wet/Sticky Bandits with his wits and toys while celebrating the wonderful time of the year makes the first two _Home Alone_ movies an instant classic.

[@dwfc775]

Like I said with the Tarantino video: Absolute banger. Nobody has your style or talent. Your videos are absolutely addictive and I just love it. Spectacular stuff.

[@editsbyzero]

Massive respect man, your editing and story telling skills never cease to amaze

[@evanwakelin7944]

I actually got a little emotional at the end. I'm glad he's happy :)

[@RawBerserker]

Macaulay is a big lesson in taking back your own destiny. I'm sure everyone should agree that the exploitation of child actors, especially by their parents, is such a dreadful thing. But to have the strength at such a young age after battling so long to cut yourself free and be your own person is amazing. A child deserves to live their childhood, and the abuse that a child may endure is certain to strip it away from them. And with the public eye making their own stories and spreading rumours just pushes a false narrative that is essentially just more abuse. But taking back control and living that childhood, even as an adult, that's what the child would deserve, at the very least. And seeing how he is now, Macaulay really did alright.

[@dewilew2137]

His parents are the least of it. Look into his “relationship” with Michael Jackson, whom he used to share a bed with. Numerous times.

[@Lauren-bd2fr]

This kid went through hell and back, and gave the finger to hell. as an addict myself, this dude gives me the most inspiration to recover and make a good family for myself

[@childeofepickness]

you can do it ‼️ I believe in you ‼️‼️

[@laartwork]

I have seen reporters ask Macaulay, Shia and Lindsey Lohan how they are able to avoid the traps of young stardom and remain so well adjusted?.... they just asked too soon.

[@Anonymous.Throne]

Shia’s situation is a lil different. Plus he’s still been in movies since his drama. Critically acclaimed movies at that

[@dewilew2137]

@@Anonymous.Throne what does that have to do with anything?

[@skycentipede74]

“I just try to stay out of their way.” Can you imagine a kid responding with that if you asked them about their parents?

[@Tomf-tz4pd]

Such an appropriate topic for the Xmas holiday the one most families will be watching .. thanks as always buddy for the cool documentaries.

[@NoNegativityNetwork]

I hope this guy makes it huge one day. Love your content. Truly amazing how you turn clips like these into to an entire documentary!

[@isaiahvoss]

What a legendary telling of not just Macaulay Culkin but also Home Alone with the motion graphics you used. Home Alone is one of my favorite Christmas movies, and I'm going to cosplay as Kevin for Christmas this year! I desire to tell stories of my favorite movies or music artists in a similar way like that. Merry Christmas ya filthy Animal! Also, it's a heartbreaking story but a welcoming comeback!

[@seishun_complex]

Just here to acknowledge the impeccable editing and more importantly, the flow of the video; you do great work! ❤

[@saturnmurray6356]

less than a minute in and the editing has already blown me away

[@ducky_urban]

Your content is the definition of the quality I expect. I get headaches from all the cheaply produced content on this site every week. So your documentaries are literally like ibuprofen. So refreshing and you are right! The music makes a huge difference. Thank you for your efforts and see you next year!

[@StephenScottDayGames]

what a beautiful love letter, this had me smiling and filled with warm feeling the whole time. even seeing how he has endured and grown out of his hardships is inspiring. thanks for a wonderful video about a straight up global treasure!

[@ulf___]

The editing is top notch. Amazing story to tell and amazing way to tell it. Bravo

[@beelzemobabbity]

The use of all the interviews (and the music, definitely a worthy sponsor) takes this from a good video, to an amazing one, really genuine documentary quality.

[@gnoot50]

Wow. Beautiful storytelling!! I never knew this history about him. It’s kind of a weird feeling watching this after I watched Home Alone yesterday but I’m glad he escaped from his parents and is happier now

[@kedrprao]

Another masterpiece is here!!

[@katiewags84]

That was really good. It ended and I was smiling. A real smile. One ya feel throughout. Thank You Dodford. . .and "Mack" cuz obviously his good nature made it possible. Blessings to all!

[@Itsnotme28]

This video is soooo well made and the visuals are so beautiful, I love the old vintage feeling it’s so nostalgic truly so nice to watch!

[@EnigmaticAlien]

subscribed. Love the Cool Hand Luke remix picture dude. I was born in 89 so I remember growing up to Mak. Great video man, you did a stupendous job

[@vicckyyy2001]

This is genuinely one of the best videos I've watched on KZbin. Just found your channel. Great stuff, man!

[@BrutalCarnage]

Imagine if they made a home alone sequel with him as a father being left alone in the home to himself, playing on the idea of dad's wanting to be alone by themselves for a bit, only for it to go downhill. Maybe his son also secretly stays at home so it's a father son story against the new wet bandits. Macaulay culkin character could have matured and he might be disappointed in his son being goofy similar to he how he was as a kid, only for his son to bring out his inner child

[@DerekHubbard]

Nicely put together video! Best wishes to Macaulay. Hope he's living his best life. Certainly appears he is!

[@MoviesRemastered]

One of the best documentary channels I've seen. Incredible work, dude. Most impressive.

[@MiriamTV2]

I remember all those headlines in the gossip magazines about him supposedly doing heroin and whatnot, even in Sweden, growing up in the 90s. It really shows how skewed media was even back then!

[@210psd]

this should have at least 500k view this was so well made!

[@ChihuahuaGuchi]

I love the approach of telling a story primarily through interviews and movie clips and music. Great documentary you got me interested in the rest of your channel. Great job

[@Keyser___Soze]

14:04 Jesus Jay that was a dark f*cking “joke” or thing to say. Not to mention because theres so much truth to these situations

[@venusforfran]

one of the best youtube documentaries I've ever seen

[@JoshuaRibot]

Bro's edits are UNMATCHED!!

[@dogssquirrels4613]

What an insanely beautiful video. How you even came up with the execution will never make sense to me. Brilliant!! 💖💖💖

[@Spoggi99YT]

I’m so glad this video was recommended to me - your channel is a gold mine! Such high-quality content… you’ve definitely earned a new subscriber, and I look forward to going through your backlog and enjoying your new content in 2025. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season! :)

[@sugarplumfairycakes]

What a beautiful video and so well edited!!!

[@helasdisciple]

He was also in "Jacob's Ladder," never credited.

[@KennyVert]

Absolutely fantastic editing, man! So glad Mac didn't fall through the cracks. Merry Christmas! -Kenneth

[@petsounds3612]

Another amazing video Dod. I appreciate that you don't squeeze everything you can from these videos. It would be easy to make these an hour long and maximize your ad revenue but instead you focus on telling a clear, concise, and compelling story that's exactly as long as it needs to be to get its point across. It's very respectful of your audience and your subject. Kudos and keep up the good work. Wishing you a great holiday season.

[@wessteinfeld3337]

I just came across your channel and I am IN LOVE with your style... it's better than any Netflix or TV documentary!!! Strictly business I love it!!! Only gripe is I wish it was LONGER! LOL!

[@TeegMonkey]

This video is brilliant! Music choices, editing style and compiling the interview clips in just the right way to tell this story. Amazingly done

[@Annejali]

This video was really well-made🎉 hats off to Dodford! I personally haven’t found many videos on Macaulay Culkin, so this was great to watch, and I had no idea how much his life paralleled my own. It really reminds you that celebrities are just people too.

[@ineedsIeep]

dude dodford ur editing is insane, i think ur channel is hella underrated. keep up the good work man I'm sure you'll make it soon

[@shellbacksclub]

Imagine having to do the double cheek palm scream for cameras, over & over & over again? That's enough to make a grown adult go nutty!

[@SeanJonesYT]

These videos bring so much humanity and perspective into the lives of these people who we are so familiar with but don't know. Beautiful story telling. Another fantastic watch.

[@seamusmccudden]

6:21 this part was so satisfying to watch, amazing song choice!

[@mdvdd]

wow this was great, i loved the editing style

[@BlakeElliott35]

As always, excellent work!

[@BahayGalaga]

Great video, great producer and editor! Professionally done!

[@Brilchan]

Poor Macaulay glad he made it out thanks for making and sharing this video I looked at the titles of some of your other videos, and they also look interesting you got a new subscriber

[@animusynthetika]

Your best video yet. Masterfully edited.

[@Lynnissilly]

I LOVED this video, your editing style is super cool, especially in the video sponsor lol I’m about to binge watch more of your videos :)!!!

[@1644cs]

wow amazing editing, this documentary is beyond amazing

[@zander518]

Your videos are actually some of the best I have seen recently

[@DaParalyzer]

Bro I cried. I am crying. How was this only 20 minutes.

[@Bfreem]

I shed TEARS. Great video man!

[@WeRNthisToGetHer]

He seems like a real sweetheart. I'm glad he is doing well now.❤

[@yanabandz102]

oh this was amazing and much needed coverage during this time 👏

[@eldbudd]

beautifully done, you spectacular editor.

[@nannimwuyep]

Dodford dishes out again!

[@tinahill1075]

Your work is amazing, so very enthralling, and heartfelt. Thank you for all you do!

[@aDroid_d]

Great mini-doc, especially if you grew up in this era. Thanks for your work (and glad to see that "Kevin" is still with us)

[@joaosantos5503]

Your videos are a masterclass of editing, man

[@nannimwuyep]

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. Merry Christmas, Dodford.

[@DodfordYT]

Merry Christmas!

[@christopherbricker3805]

that was amazing my man. really great work. thank you so much for making videos.

[@raquelpacheco3530]

As always, an amazing video! Changing our perpectives about things we didn't even knew we had an opinion