It's a Wonderful Life




One man's life touches so many others, when he's not there it leaves an awfully big hole.

If there is one movie guaranteed to make me cry, it's this one. It's a Wonderful Life is probably one of the most over watched movies in history, but if it's going to be any movie, it should be this one.

George Bailey (James Stewart) is an honest guy who has big dreams, but he finds that he has to continually put them on hold. With little choice he takes over the family loan business and soon becomes trapped with no hope of fulfilling his dreams. He can do little but watch as his friends go out into the world to make their fortunes. The loan business is the only thing that Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), the wealthiest man in town, doesn't own. This irks the greedy old man, and he does his best to run it out of business.

This movie follows George through the most important times of his life, mostly being his romance with Mary Hatch (Donna Reed). While the two have to sacrifice a lot for their love, it is genuine. Meanwhile, things don't go so well at the office, and George becomes the victim of a financial crisis. So it is on his darkest night when he's contemplating suicide that he is sent Clarence (Henry Travers), his guardian angel. Clarence hopes that by saving George, he can earn his wings.

With the volume of family movies out there, it is a testament to this film that it remains such a cherished classic. This is not merely a Christmas movie, but an enduring story of love, hope and the stuff that really matters. Few movies have ever handled these subjects with the care and heart this one does.

The story interweaves powerful moments and memorable scenes with a great concept. What would it be like if someone was never born? Few would anticipate the results. Frank Capra weaves a story that perfectly shows us just how important a person is and how they effect everyone around them. It is a moving look at the self-worth of a man and his life.

Stewart couldn't have been more alike to the sincere but frustrated George Bailey. He gives a touching performance, never making George too perfect or unbelievable. You can't help but to like the guy. There are also unforgettable performances from Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore and especially Henry Travers as Clarence. He is perfect as the whiney but faithful angel out to get his wings.

A classic if there ever was one. Probably the best feel good movie ever made, or the best I've seen. This is a movie that never goes out of season, and is certainly a must see.



-The Gnome