24. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

What do I think of it’s a wonderful life? It’s a wonderful film! This is a traditional Christmas film in which an angel comes down to earth sent by God to save the life of a businessman, George Bailey, who feels hopeless and presents to him an alternate reality of what life would be like if George had never been born.

This heart-warming film is designed to give renewed hope to anyone who watches it and reminds them of their value to the people around them. It’s a wonderful life was directed by Frank Capara and the screenplay was written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. The lead James Stewart perfectly embodies the life of George Bailey and the complex emotions the protagonist experiences.

It’s a Wonderful Life is very much a family film and is definitely worth watching once a year with your loved ones, because it encourages people to cherish the people close to them.

I scored this film 74 because it has aged well and there are some memorable quotes that have transcended generations that people of all ages are able to appreciate. The film lost points on the story/screenplay because of the complex emotions George Bailey experiences on the journey to his revelation. As a result, I disagree that it should be rated U and potentially PG is more appropriate.

Judging Criteria

SCRIPTURAL INTEGRATION - 20 points: 16

STORY/SCREENPLAY - 10 points: 8

DIRECTOR - 10 points:7

CINEMATOGRAPHY - 10 points:7

EDITOR - 10 points:6

PRODUCTION DESIGN - 10 points:8

ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE or SCORE EFFECTIVENESS (if not original) - 10 points: 7

SOUND DESIGN - 10 points:7

ACTING - 10 points: 8

TOTAL SCORE 100 POINTS. : 74