Review of It's a Wonderful Life (1946) by Drew O — 16 Dec 2012

Here it is. The definition of a holiday movie. While I may occasionally argue that Miracle on 34th Street is just as good, each time I watch this it renews its power and cements its place as the greatest Christmas movie of all time as well as one of my favorite movies period.

It's impossible to not fall for this movie when you watch it. It brings out emotions of all kinds in every person, from laughter to tears. The performances in this film are all incredible. James Stewart is in his defining role as George Bailey, a man who always puts others before himself, no matter how much it affects him or his dreams. I love the scene where he gives up his own money in order to save his bank and keep it from the hands of Mr. Potter. Is there any real person that would be willing to give up their life the way George does?

And who could forget the last 30 minutes of this movie. Its so incredible to see the ways George affects the town and its people. The ending gets me every time too. I'm a grown man, and I tear up and get chills whenever the people are giving George the money while singing Christmas carols. Quite possibly the single greatest ending in cinema history.

It's a Wonderful Life is a wonderful film. It's annual viewings among people everywhere is well deserved, and is the holiday classic that brings families and people together like no other film can.