Alex’s review published on Letterboxd:
It's a Wonderful Life is indeed - wonderful. While it does take a while to get there, the pure ecstasy of that ending and the emotional 3rd act make it quite easy to forget a beginning that wasn't compelling enough to completely entice me into its narrative in the 1st act.
However, Frank Capra's direction and the cinematography by the two Josephs (Biroc and Walker) is consistently great; it's understated and subtle but I found it to be quite welcoming. And thanks to a fantastic James Stewart and Donna Reed who have amazing chemistry together as well as a really well put together supporting cast, the film never feels boring, even when I'm not 100% drawn into it.
But as mentioned above, the whole 3rd act is nothing short of beautiful. It's heartfelt, heartwarming, and it just makes for a brilliant watch. Then you get to THAT ending and your faith in humanity is restored.
4 stars == Very good.
I've got one more festive viewing left now - Home Alone 2!
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