Rating: 
Summary: It's a Wonderful Movie!
Review: Back in the 70's I went to see "It's a Wonderful Life" at a theatre that specialized in old movies. I hadn't heard much about this one but I thought I'd take a chance since it boasted both Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra. What a major surprize that screening turned out to be. It was as though someone had dug up a previously forgotten movie on par with "The Wizard of Oz". I don't know how this movie drifted into obscurity for so many years but it has really busted out of it now, hasn't it!What this movie offers is a solid family experience with a lesson for all. At first it seems like just another "good" movie as we see the life of a young man (Gearge Baily) being recounted by some angels up in heaven. All seems well but it also appears that the weight of the world keeps getting added to George Baily's back one pound at a time. In time this happy life reaches a breaking point and then we start to see the real beauty of the story. George Baily's guardian angel, Clarence, grants him his wish to see what life would be like if he (George Baily) had never been born. Now all those minor and major incidents in George's life that we saw in the first two thirds of the movie suddenly take on a very special meaning. We see how those things affected the lives of so many people and (this IS a Capra movie afterall) always for the better. In case you haven't seen this movie, I'll leave the plot hanging there. The ending is truly heart-warming. This movie has a lot going for it besides the plot. The directing is terrific as is usually the case in a Frank Capra movie. The acting is terrific with Stewart taking the lead as George Baily. Henry Travers may have been a lesser known character actor in his other roles but he achieved immortality (forgive the pun) as Clarence ASC. Donna Reed is well-cast as the girl-next-door who grew up to be Mrs. George Baily. Lionel Barrymore is terrifically sinister in the role of Old Man Potter. There are plenty of others who make this movie great. Indeed, the nature of the plot has a seemingly record number of role-players who are essential to the story. If you haven't yet seen this movie, then you have been missing a real treat. When you do get around to seeing it, I recommend that you see it from the start. It's really impressive the way everything eventually fits together so neatly. This movie is like a warm hug on a sad day. It will really pick you up!
Rating:
Summary: Dated, but still moving and gloriously relevant.
Review: If you're one of the 8 people in this country who have yet to see this film, lucky you. When asked by (insert date, relative, friend, random person) what my favorite moview is, I'll often rank this in my top 5. Now, keep in mind, this film is 2/3rds of a century old. Much of the dogmatic, religious, and sexist cultural norms have been largely outgrown and it's advisable that you watch this in the context of the period it was made (don't you dare watch the colorized version). This movie speaks loudly about the significance one mans personal contribution to the welfare and quality of life of those around him/her. It reminds us that we're all tightly connected to each other and that "doing good" tends to compound and become easier when practiced as a personal philosophy. A wonderful holiday movie. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: It's a wonderful movie!
Review: George Baily ( James Steward) is a trouble man who had a bad past, he is now a total failure and wants to end his life. But his guardian angel named " Charlie" ( Lionel Barrymore) saves him for ruining his life, he also shows him what would it be like if George never existed but only George must change his ways.
A brilliant American classic, the acting is great and the script's totally original. This is one of the movies that made Stewart popular, this is probably Frank Capra's best movie.
A definite Christmas classic!
Rating:
Summary: ORIGINAL IS BEST
Review: They've tried to remake this movie, and never as good. It's a Wonderful Life is Classic Jimmy Stewart at his All American Boy best. Typical heartwarming Christmas story that parallels the type of story told by Dicken's in the Christmas Carol. A man that's examining his life and the meaning of his place in the world and his family at the holidays.
Rating: 
Summary: This movie SUCKS!
Review: I am extremely concerned about the populous in the United States. Despite the acting and holiday cheer, this movie sucks. Its feel good message is just a reminder of how white america can struggle through all of its problems and eventually end up with the beautiful wife and 2.5 kids behind a white picket fence with friendly neighboors. It is particularly disgusting when Stewart explores his own non-existence to find his wife to be a pathetic librarian that has no life to fill without being married. I am mentally repulsed at the "father knows best" themes that have permeated all of our psyche's I say boycott this movie and start fighting the man that tries to shove it down with your throat. Viva Anima!!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful movie
Review: Heartwarming, emotional, and funny. Its a classic that I watch every year and cry over every year. Its the kind of movie you watch when you want a sense of familarity and escape from the world today. Love the actors, love the plot, love everything.
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Rating:
Summary: An American Classic!!
Review: I just finished watching this movie for about the 25th time and remarkably, this movie still holds up. James Stewart gives one of my favorite performances in his long and illustrious career. Probably "Mr. Smith goes to Washington" would be better. For some reason, this movie reminds me of a 2 hour "Twilight Zone" episode. The plot is something Rod Serling would develop. But Frank Capra brings it all together with charm and wit. It's simple message is very much needed today, "No man is alone if he has friends". A all-American classic!!
Rating:
Summary: Embodiment of Christmas Spirit. (For All Faiths & Creeds.)
Review: "It's a Wonderful Life" is often thought of as a Christmas movie -perhaps because it has become a tradition to show the movie on television every year in December. Only a very small part of the story takes place during the Christmas season, though, and that's at the film's conclusion. "It's a Wonderful Life" is most likely considered a Christmas film because it embodies the "Christmas spirit". No other movie has championed the spirit of giving and sacrificing one's own desires for the good of others so successfully as this film. "It's a Wonderful Life" stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a bright ambitious man who is also considerate and generous to a fault. He is so considerate and generous that he has always sacrificed his own happiness and goals so that others might pursue theirs. When bad luck strikes a final blow, it seems like all of his generosity has brought George nothing but dissatisfaction and a bad end. An angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) is sent to Earth to convince George that he has had a wonderful life, after all, and one that is very much worth living. "It's a Wonderful Life"'s message is more idealistic than realistic. And I'm not sure that advocating constantly putting the happiness of others ahead of your own is at all wise. But this is a wonderfully entertaining and well-constructed film nonetheless. Jimmy Stewart is due much of the credit for the film's success. This is one of his finest performances. Perpetual self-sacrifice could easily grow tedious, and George Bailey would be a saccharine character in the hands of a lesser actor. But with the help of a terrific script, Stewart makes George sympathetic and interesting. The supporting cast does a fine job. The cinematography and art direction are excellent. "It's a Wonderful Life" is simply a pleasure to watch, which is why it has become a Christmas classic. Recommended for viewing on cold winter nights. Somehow that works best. It will make a Jimmy Stewart fan out of you.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Ever Think You Wish You Weren't Ever Born......
Review: This movie has it all...and it is a wonderful movie for those who thinks they wish they were never born or they think they are worthless in life. Everyone has a reason for being here on this earth, and this movie is a perfect example to show why.
George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) grew up in this American town, and did many things in his life that are very valuable to others (he saved his brother's life, he saved his father's banking company from a miser, he married his childhood sweetheart (played by Donna Reed), he saved his own boss from jail by refusing to give the poisioned pills to a customer, and more)...but George didn't realize that after he found out money was misplaced (really stolen by miser, Mr. Potter), and he was to go to jail. He tries to commit suicide but angel Clarence saves him, and showed him what life is like without George. George realized that the people he loves and likes don't recognize him (and his brother was dead because he wasn't there to save him), and wishes his life back, which it did happen after the cop asked him what's wrong. At the end, which really touched me, was the whole town comes in with money to help save George's banking company. The police decided not to arrest him, and it's a wonderful life for him again. Oh, and Clarence the angel finally got his wings!
I think it is a terrific movie and a good example for anyone to think about the next time you think you aren't worth anything to anyone in your life. I highly recommend this one...go see it!
Rating:
Summary: LOVE IT!
Review: OMG this is the best christmas movie ever! it isnt christmas if u dont watch this movie!! :) I am sooo happy its out on DVD! :) If you've never seen this movie i suggest u go see it NOW!! :)
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