Although it has almost become required Christmastime viewing, It's a Wonderful Life is much more than an established holiday classic. One of the most uplifting and inspirational movies ever made, James Stewart delivers one of the best performances of his career as George Bailey, who is shown the true value of himself by his guardian angel Clarence. His life in ruins, drunk and ready to jump off a bridge, George tells Clarence he wishes he had never been born. Showing George how life in the town of Bedford Falls would be without him, the movie hits on its main theme; that it isn't money that makes a man rich. It sounds a little corny, but Capra shoots the movie beautifully and the script never deteriorates into the overly-saccharine, instead providing warmth and heart in spades. A parable on the well-worn notions that all people are interconnected and that life should be appreciated before it's too late, It's a Wonderful Life is one of the ultimate feel-good movies. Given the movie's status as a bona-fide American classic, it's hard to believe that the initial theatrical run ended up costing studio RKO over $500,000 due to low box office returns.
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