2009 VIP
ChrisJarmick
Seattle, WA

Steward and Capra classic American fable Great Film #37

5 star rating

a movie guru
Pros

    James Stewart, it seems to get better and better

Cons
    slightly dated corny parts

JUN
3
2007

It's a Wonderful Life  — 

 Capra corn at its finest.  Well that's what they say, but you know what, this film for all it's humane touches is quite edgy and there's a real dark side to Jimmy Stewart's performance.  Stewart givies another wonderful nuanced memorable  performance as George in this rich piece of Americana.   Tired of his life,  George believes he will not be missed if he jumps off the bridge.   A guardian angel shows him what the future would be like in Bedford Falls  without Stewart's character in it.   Trouble is, even if he gets his life back can things be fixed?  Beloved by millions for a very good reason.

It may seem hard to believe now, but this film originally got mixed reviews and bombed at the box-office.  It  hurt Capra's career for several years.

# 37 in my Greatest Films list.

It's a Wonderful Life  1946, Directed by Frank Capra



I_thumb_up It's a Wonderful Life is recommended by ChrisJarmick

2
helpful
votes
Did you find this review helpful?
 
 
 




I_comment_shdw24 Comments about ChrisJarmick’s Review

 


LibbyMcMillan wrote on Jun 10, 2007 at 5:56PM

Love, love, love this film. ;-) My husband and I actually make reference to Pottersville on a pretty regular basis!