Rating: 
Summary: My Favorite Movie of All Time...
Review: This is the kind of story that transcends all generations and ages and speaks to each individual. It is associated with the Christmas holidays and rightly so. Yet the movie's story about a good man who is frustrated with his life to the point of suicide speaks as loudly today as it did in 1947.Some critics of "It's A Wonderful Life" call it "Capracorn" (making reference to the movie's director, Frank Capra), and say that it is unrealistic sentiment, but I disagree. The story basically shows how a man's life unfolds through a period of years in the town in which he was born. What he thinks are disappointments and cruel tricks of fate actually lead him to the place he always wanted to be. He is shown what the lives of his loved ones and friends would have been like had he never been born. He realizes that those small acts of kindness and love that he has given to people were not insignificant, but made major differences in each and every life. Particularly moving is the scene where the protagonist, George Bailey, superbly played by Jimmy Stewart, prays a silent, but desparate prayer in the town bar. The answer to that prayer gives George Bailey some unexpected twists and turns, but shows the fabric of his life is so carefully interwoven with those he loves and cares for. This is American filmaking at its very finest. I highly reccomend this for the whole family.
Rating:
Summary: A movie you should watch!
Review: I like this movie because I like Christmas movies. This
movie was also funny and also teaches a lesson. It is about
a man named George Bailey (James Stewart) who thought
his life was not wonderful. Then, an angel from heaven
who does not have wings yet named Clarence, comes and
shows George Bailey that his life is wonderful, and how
the world will be without him. This movie is fun to watch
and I really liked it!
Rating: 
Summary: It is moving to watch... the FIRST time
Review: I suppose that, the first time one watches this rather excessively sweet film, even the most hardened cynic would shed a tear at the ending, when George is revealed as one who has a matchless wealth of friends and support. James Stewart indeed portrays George Bailey superbly, but I found that, beyond the first viewing, this becomes rather an annoying film. Of course, the contrast between George (the sort of man anyone would like on sight, and love all the more with acquaintance), and the dreadful Potter, who makes the pre-converted Ebenezer Scrooge look cuddly, provides much of the action - trouble is, the premise really is not that realistic. The idea that being good-natured, and having a spirit of self-sacrifice that goes from heroic to excessive, benefits one's community is taken to too great an extreme. The Baileys are always on verge of bankruptcy, yet manage to be the saviours of all of the rather poor people who want to fulfil the mid-century dream of owning their own homes. Intending no blasphemy, I found it annoying that George becomes something of a Christ figure... yet never is allowed to think of himself or his family in the process. George seems a wonderful man, but it became difficult to see his as a "wonderful life." It seemed that everyone was entitled to fulfil their dreams except George... indeed, that he had to make certain that he sacrificed every aspiration (college, honeymoon trip, travelling) entirely so someone else could have them. Considering how, when George sees what the town would be like had he never lived, everyone is in miserable straits, the 'saviour' business is rather macabre, as are the people resident in Bedford Falls! Romantic though I am at heart, the cynical part of me sighed, knowing full well that, no matter how good anyone was to others, the first accusation of embezzlement would be more likely to make the others think, "now we know how he really is!" Miserable though Potter is, it does not ring true that one with his resources could be totally unsuccessful in acquiring potential homeowners as customers because a good-hearted, impoverished sort simply was more pleasant. Certainly, watch this once... but don't go back for repeated viewings, since the memory of the first viewing will be far more pleasant than the cloying effects of repeat performances.
Rating:
Summary: It's a Wonderful Film
Review: It's a Wonderful Life has been broadcast on television more often than nearly any other film in history. And yet, even having seen it as many times as I have, it still touches me when I see it. After a lapse in seeing it each year, I watched it last year while wrapping gifts, and smiled and cried my way through it on DVD. The video quality is as crisp on DVD as anyone could hope. There are some special features included on this edition, but the film alone is worth getting the DVD. Presented in it's original 1.33 (Full Screen) aspect ratio.
Rating:
Summary: Redemption, Renewal & Joy
Review: I'd prefer not to echo the praise this film receives from seemingly everyone, but I've always been fascinated by its continuing, and growing, appeal to modern audiences....so I suppose the next few echoes you hear will just be me, throwing somebody else's two cents in. The Bedford Falls of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE has never really existed - that's hardly a news flash. Bedford Falls is childhood and innocence tucked away in the safe harbor of the past, a deeply comforting fantasy composed of equal portions of wish-fulfillment and nostalgia: a fantasy which summons our better angels, lifting us out of dog-eat-dog mundanity and towards a picture-postcard version of the Ideal. It's this first half of IAWL that chafes against the jaded postmodern sensibility that seeks always to justify and celebrate aberrance, even evil, in the name of 'understanding'; a generation whelped on wrestling, gangsta-rap, South Park and Howard Stern (all of which get brushed under the rug as 'harmless fun') is hardly likely to respond to Capra's idealistic Everytown with anything beyond bemused contempt. The second half - the dark, slightly creepy, Twilight Zone portion of the film - exerts a far more seductive pull on modern moviegoers. Well, let's face it, Pottersville is what contemporary America IS; it's what people have gotten used to, at least, in many cases convincing themselves is preferable to some candyass Norman Rockwell never-neverland. (Because it's 'real', you see; and consistent with this ghetto existentialism, harsh & ugly 'reality' trumps every other kind.) Has anyone ever noted that while Bedford Falls is obviously a studio creation, the camera pans across the nightmarish neon marquees dotting Pottersville might be stock footage of any postwar American city? That contrast, that wrenching emotional dichotomy, is what strikes such a chord within those of us who love this film without reservation, as does Capra's message in IAWL: that Bedford Falls is within reach of us all if we love our friends and family, stay the course despite setbacks, treat others with kindness and respect...and believe in God. The simple key that unlocks this film is belief in God; having steadfast faith in a benevolent Higher Power which views each human life as precious & important. Capra & Stewart were both troubled by currents of cynicism making strong inroads into American life after WW2, particularly wanting to combat a creeping purposelessness they saw as rooted in atheism (which always becomes fashionable after wartime). Though not made as a Xmas attraction per se (not a single depiction of clergy in the entire damn film!), IAWL promotes a belief in God as the vital glue of conscience, family, community, nation - without which all our Bedford Falls would be inevitably subsumed into Pottersvilles. Give Capra credit for managing to impart this message subtly, despite all the angels, answered prayers and celestial voice-overs he has woven into the story fabric. (Maybe TOO subtly, as the movie tanked on first release, eventually tumbling into the public domain.) Though lately such strong endorsement of religious faith is considered cultural anathema (at least according to the empty suits running film studios), nevertheless IAWL now seems impossible to resist to audiences unceasingly bludgeoned with entertainment built upon callousness, carnality and previously-unthinkable levels of brutality. (Which is why the notion of a remake is utterly laughable: even teenagers who don't 'get' old black & white movies are intuitive enough to grasp that this kind of deep-rooted sentiment properly belongs to a different America - the America contemporary Hollywood has taught them to despise.) Though everyone rightfully focuses on Jimmy Stewart's truly stunning performance as George Bailey, it's worth noting that this might be Capra's finest hour as a filmmaker. There's no exotica a la LOST HORIZON or showy MR SMITH filibusters on view; WONDERFUL LIFE is more introspective and mellow a film, Capra in a muted key. But every setpiece is staged and photographed expertly, and all the big payoffs resonate with honest and powerful emotion. The scene with young George Bailey and the drunken, grief-crazed druggist is as beautifully done as any in Capra's long career, and that's just the first of many high points here: the lovingly-shot nostalgia of the farewell dance; George & Mary's tentative, slowly-building love scene as they share a phone call from a friend; the sick, shamed look of helplessness on George's face directly following his violent tantrum in front of his kids. All are indelible moments that cling to your memory for a lifetime, and Capra seems to have been saving them all up for this movie. Yet perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the film is the inability of film critics - otherwise at a loss to explain its strong hold over an increasingly secular public - to resist 'interpreting' it for the new millenium. Thus, the endless 'cutting-edge' bromides one reads that patiently explain how IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is a 'dark' film with a pessimistic view of American middle-class aspirations & values...even an indictment of them! Yet somehow, year after year, millions of viewers faithfully watch it for the umpteenth time, reaffirming those same values, laughing and crying along with George, losing and finding their religion through the proxy of George's suffering and renewal. It took a while for Capra & Stewart's favorite film to finally do what they'd hoped it would - speak to an audience, and help give it faith to believe & strength to abide - but once WONDERFUL LIFE got its bearings and began gathering momentum, not a day goes by that this remarkable movie isn't earning its wings somewhere in the world.
Rating:
Summary: The Classic!
Review: What can one say about such an outstanding movie. We watch it every year with new meaning and renewed spirit. It sets the tone for the holidays.
Rating: 
Summary: Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings...
Review: GREAT holiday classic and for a good reason! This one has it all. Romance, comedy, and drama. All of the performances are wonderful. A total must-have!
Rating:
Summary: Best movie of all time.......
Review: I have never seen a better movie and never will. The performances by Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed are flawless in there performance and I think the scene in which they are listening on the telephone together is one of the most romantic scenes ever filmed! If you eyes are dry at the end of this one you are in the minority.
Rating:
Summary: The only Christmas movie you need
Review: It is simply the best Christmas movie ever, if not best MOVIE ever. I challenge anyone not to feel good at the last scene, which has to be, hands down, the most touching scene of any movie. It's OK to cry when you see George Bailey realize what a wonderful life he has. I don't want to hear anyone tell me that they play this movie too much during the holidays, it seems like they hardly play it at all! Now as for "A Christmas Story"... If you haven't seen this movie, make it a holiday tradition this year, it truly is a treasure!
Rating:
Summary: A Human Story with a Heart of Gold
Review: Despite all the remakes and costumed remakes and hidden remakes, nothing can touch the original. This movie's simple message that every human being is important and has a life that has meaning, and the way this story is told, expands into an almost epic saga for anyone who watches it, even though it's an intimate drama. Well acted, amazing script, beautifully directed, with memorable scenes both comedic and sad and uplifting. This is one of the best movies of all time. It's a classic, it's FUN to watch, and it's a masterpiece. This film is a joyous celebration of life, a life that we all live and can relate to, life that doesn't need money, position, reputation, or a big fancy house on a hill. Just a life where all that is necessary is love, faith, and a good heart. This is the story of one man's life, as simple as it may be, and how he affects so many people. It affects us as well.
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