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Initially considered a major disappointment upon its theatrical release, this monochromatic
time-tested tale is now a holiday favorite, placing very high on dozens of best film lists.
Two-time academy award winner James Stewart stars as a humble family man from the small
wintry town of Bedford Falls, New York - who's life is marked by countless self-sacrifices
for the betterment of his fellow man, and community - but one that is also marred by
inescapable problems and missed opportunities - inevitably leaving him so frustrated that
he attempts suicide the day before Christmas. Luckily for Stewart, his family, and town
- a helpful Angel-in-training played by Henry Travers comes to his rescue, to show him what
life would be like had he never been born at all. A familiar-sounding premise... but
this Christmas classic was the first to actually popularize it. For a 65-year-old film, "It's
A Wonderful Life" holds up decently well, anchored by fantastic performances from the
entire cast - with Stewart earning himself one of his five Oscar-nominations for the
leading role - showcasing his remarkable talent in a number of passionate speeches he delivers
throughout the slow-moving 130-minute film. -CLIP- The dialogue is serious and moving
when it needs to be, and funny and enjoyable everywhere else. As was the style with motion
pictures then, the cinematography is stage-oriented, with many scenes playing out on just a couple
wide-angle setups... allowing the actors and action to make each frame exciting and interesting.
As the audience watches key moments of Stewart's life unfold in one vignette after the other,
we get to witness the progression of a man worthy of being save - a true hero that accurately
embodies the Christmas spirit. So when the film reaches it's predictable, but satisfying
conclusion, it is an immensely welcome and moving one. A "feel-good" film if there ever
was one, it's no surprise this classic has been adored by families for generations - it's
a delightful achievement both technically, and emotionally. If you've overlooked this
holiday gem, you owe it to yourself to sit down with your family this holiday season
and enjoy a heart-warming story from the golden age of cinema. "It's A Wonderful Life", "A
wonderfully inspirational Christmas classic." Now that you've heard my review, let's read
some of yours from the YouTube comments.
Here's the Rate-o-Matic once again, for "It's A Wonderful Life"... an EIGHT and a NINE.
This is a very special holiday film truly deserves to be seen by everyone at least once.
But I have difficulty seeing it as anything *but* a holiday film - which unfortunately
limits its appeal, and audience. I thought it was GREAT. You loved Jimmy Stewart's emotional
performance, and especially the terrific message the film shares - scoring it an AWESOME.