It's a Wonderful Life Review

I believe that this is a timeless classic.  The directing is superb, the acting is excellent and the story stands through time.  Yes, it is an older movie, but that also gives it charm.  Watch the Black & White version not some 'colorized' knock off.  B&W makes you use your imagination and helps you get more involved with the film.  Those who used this medium had to be more creative!  Here's the plot:  George Bailey has the picture perfect life: a loving wife, Mary, four young children, and his own business, which he inherited from his father. However, on Christmas Eve, George encounters severe business difficulties at the Bailey Building and Loan. George's Uncle Billy  loses the cash they owe the bank, which is owned by the Scrooge-esque Mr. Potter . This leads George to a life crisis, and he contemplates suicide. He's saved at the last moment by the apperance of his guardian angel, Clarence.

Clarence shows George how much his life means by showing him how the world would be without him. It's not pretty; his cheerful, friendly town is dreary and impoverished. Finally, George is convinced and Clarence returns him to the world as if nothing had happened. George goes home to find the entire community gathered at his house to raise money for his consistently philanthropic loan business. Even Mr. Potter's accountant donates money to the cause. The movie concludes with George's brother, Harry, bursting in the door, back from the war. As the whole community sings "Auld Lang Syne," a bell rings, telling George that Clarence finally achieved his goal as an angel and obtained his wings.

I also love the gifts that are given to the new homeowners, we should keep that tradition!

Don't let the holidays go by each year without viewing it again.