Review of It's a Wonderful Life (1946) by Adrian E — 23 Dec 2011

I don't know what I was thinking last time I saw this.

PLOT:People are praying to God for a man named George Bailey (James Stewart) of Bedford Falls. We find out looking at this man's life that he's helped a lot of people and kept the town from turning into a madhouse. He owns the Bailey Building and Loan and has a wife (Donna Reed) and kids. He once wanted to travel the world, but all of that changed throughout his life. One day, his Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) misplaces the money for the bank examiner and George ends up in big trouble, not to mention he's stepping in trouble left and right. Right before he decides to take his life, an angel who hasn't got his wings yet and has seen the life of George fully named Clarence (Henry Travers) comes to save him. When George wishes he had never been born, Clarence makes that wish come true and shows him what it would be like if he had never been born, and it's all bad. It's a very unique and well thought-out plot executed to the utmost perfection.

ACTING:The acting is truly brilliant in this film. Stewart may have an annoying voice, but he surely makes you feel his pain and happiness when it comes around. Stewart is a great actor anyway. Reed also does quite a brilliant job in both parts; the real world and the world without George. I found Travers' performance a little less from perfection in this movie, but he still did a great job. I think it's just his character I don't care for. Everyone else also did a brilliant job, including the child actors! The other shiners in this movie are Thomas Mitchell, Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Potter, William Edmunds as Mr. Martini, and Carol Coomes as Janie Bailey. I could list everybody else in fact because they were all brilliant!

SCORE:There were some Christmas songs, but the actual score was brilliant.

OTHER CONTENT:Capra is a great director, and he did this well. Though the running time may be long, it gets you everything you need in a great movie; lots of character development, emotional buildup, a part for everyone to enjoy, and an eye-opening scene or two. This has it all and more. I appreciate the character development the most. We can actually feel for the character in distress here. This movie is truly an eye-opener and a feel-good movie. No one could hate it unless they don't like conflict, Stewart's acting, or long running times.

OVERALL,an epic Christams movie with a well thought-out plot, brilliant acting, brilliant score, and all the keys to a great movie; character development included.