Hate the ending
I absolutely love this film, but wish it ended just 30 seconds earlier than it does.
Why oh why did they have to tack on the kissing scene with the creepy college boy? That whole subplot was absolutely irrelevant to the film, and should have been shelved since day one.
Throughout the film, Chris (Elizabeth Shue) and the kids display an incredible resilience and ingenuity, managing to fend for themselves in the big city, defeat the bad guys, and make it home in time for mom and dad. Chris in particular goes on a remarkable personal journey, and demonstrates bravery and leadership qualities that Indiana Jones would be proud of.
And what's more, she does it all without the assistance of any men. In fact, the film-makers make a point of showing her independence in the scene where she "defeats" her lying boyfriend in the restaurant. (Her actions here may or may not be admirable, but that's not the point for now.)
So just what the heck is the message right at the end? "Never mind, fellas, this independent, feisty woman is now safely back in the hetero-normative fold, she's had her fun and good luck to her, but there'll be no trouble from now on."
The character of the student is so thinly written as to be almost non-existent. Nothing he does in the film makes him deserve her, and frankly he all but forces her into that kiss at the end. The kids jeering from the window don't help either.
What a shame that Chris isn't given the ending to herself; she deserved it.