Okay film, but doesn't pack the emotional punch of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

I only learned about this film recently, and just last night checked it out on youtube. It's okay for what it is, even if it is hard not to compare it to IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, especially since this one didn't quite pack the emotional punch of the original.

It toned down some of the aspects of the original that may be considered sexist, abusive, or even racist in retrospect, seeing is the original is a product of its time. There's no "old maid" scene, and Gower doesn't smack George. I realized while watching this remake is it doesn't anger me. The first movie can be sad, frustrating and infuriating at times. Especially since so many people can probably relate to George. I think that's one of the things that gives the ending so much emotional impact.

The performances here are kind of wooden, and the actors don't bring enough energy to their roles. Marlo Thomas (who I just realized was Rachel's mom on TV's FRIENDS) is no competition for James Stewart, who understandably got an Oscar nomination for the original. There was a lot of frustration and anger in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. You could say George Bailey was a victim of destiny. Orson Welles is a legendary actor but he's nowhere near as infuriating as Lionel Barrymore's portrayal of Potter. I like Wayne Rogers from TV's M*A*S*H, but George Hatch may be a little too perfect. Course in the world without Mary, I was almost worried he would have tried to sexually assault her. I'm glad they didn't go that far.

Splitting characteristics of George Bailey into Mary Bailey and George Hatch was another odd thing I noticed. A remake where the male lead is changed to a woman. This film was really ahead of its time. And a lot of people are complaining about reboots with female leads these days.


http://www.freewebs.com/demonictoys/