It's a Wonderful Life
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
How can you not like this film?
Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and a perfect holiday story are just some of the things that make this film a true classic. "It's a Wonderful Life" is a traditional holiday film that never gets old, even if it is in black and white. The story of Stewart's rise and fall in Bedford Falls is as old as time. What makes it new is Frank Capra's directing and a darling story that gets just dark enough to be believable.
Stewart really makes the film, and his descent into depression is realistic, because who hasn't been depressed at one time or another during the holiday season? And who hasn't wanted to know if the world would be a better place if they hadn't been born? Stewart wrestles with these problems as the film climaxes, but the rest of the film is basically the perfect 1940s family, complete with sweet little girl, nattering uncle, and evil villain in the form of Mr. Potter, the conniving businessman who's only out for his own interests.
"It's a Wonderful Life" has become a classic holiday film for a number of reasons. It's a great story, and Frank Capra's direction is masterful. The acting is good, too. However, I think it's the little things that make it really special, like the bumbling angel Clarence who's sent to save Stewart from himself. Clarence "gets his wings" in the end, and all ends happily.
However, there's more to this film. It just makes you feel good inside after you watch it, and that's the true measure of an excellent film, holiday or not.
Now, not all films are made to make you feel good, but this one is, and it works, and that's enough for me.
