IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

CAPSULE REVIEW –– Though I only saw this film all the way through for the first time a few years ago, it has become one of my all time favorites. A film to watch whenever I feel a little down about my life. I initially avoided it because I though it was going to be one of those sappy movies about how important life is and all that garbage. What I discovered is an endearing love story, a family drama and a film about personal sacrifice...as well as the importance of an individual life in the grand scheme of things. George Bailey is a man forced by circumstances to put all his hopes and dreams on the back burner in order to make the lives of those around him better. He becomes so frustrated with the lack of control over his own future, he desperately wishes he'd never been born. What keeps this from being hokey is Stewart's amazing performance, a great supporting cast and a well-written, interesting script. His frustration is palpable and heartbreaking. He's a good man we want to win just once. In the end, he sees how necessary he is to the people around him and that this is the life he was meant to lead. His story makes us realize that our place here isn't an accident and to appreciate the good in our lives. A simple message told elegantly, intelligently and with a whole lot of heart.