It's a Wonderful Life is one of those movies referenced everywhere in popular culture. It's omnipresent, and whether you've seen it or not, you feel as though you know the story.
I was 29 years old when I watched it for the first time. That Christmas Eve, with the toddler sound asleep, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. I loved it, and openly wept at the end.
It's now the only Christmas movie I make sure to watch every year. I just like it. It's a 1940s movie that never feels slow, and even know I now know it note by note, I always end up with tears streaming down my face.
Last night, after the Raptors game, I watched it with the teenagers for the first time. My daughter fell asleep about 45 minutes in, but my oldest son was hooked, watched until the end, and cried when I cried. I can't remember the last time I saw him cry. It may have been 13 years ago.
Attaboy, Clarence!
