sentimental hogwash.

Can't be good sign I'm quoting Mr. Potter (it's a wonderful life) but honest to God, I tend to cry over anything when done well (yeah I ball over the ASPCA abused dogs & naturally worse for children in poverty).

I couldn't muster anything here because it was SO poorly done & unrealistic.

Apparently this universal experience (by universal I mean just that...who has NOT suffered death of a loved one & knows it UPFRONT & personal? At some point EVERYONE unless they are an island of a person.)

This was the most OFF base representation of death that ever I witnessed. Guy looked healthier than me. As did every kid. And believe me, I am a Jenkin's fan (graduated Wesleyan as did my hubby. This movie NOT his fault...except for taking the role. He's usually FAR wiser in his picks).

Now before I get bashed for saying this, others suggesting it's tough to do (make one look terminal), first...that is NOT true.
And second, the most important thing lacking was SENSE & action of one dying. I know it far too well & it's complete nightmare, not like depicted here at all (I can't say I've known anyone joking around before death, though that would be ideal!)
Kinda a hoot to see his bed in the church.
No I'm not Jewish, maybe I'm ignorant on this issue but highly doubt they can parade the hospital bed of a dying man in center of church for the night.

I honestly was cheering final scene on as it was interminably long (pun intended) in coming.
IF ONLY for one second you could FEEL his supposed "PAIN" I'd be a bit more gracious but nope, never ONCE sensed he was in this pain he spoke of a few times.

So thinking this was a crafted piece perhaps in favor of mercy killing. I dunno. Maybe. I have no idea. Don't much care. If it was, they did it no favor.

Also another reason not to be vested in this film mess, these kids were spoiled ungrateful brats (as he stated) who--think about it-- WHILE alive (when first TOLD of his decision) worried about THEIR money.
Why the hell didn't anyone raise them to know HIS money was NOT theirs! WTH!!!
What a couple losers.
I heard of people feeling "entitled" but always wanted to smack them upside the head. Exactly how I felt about them the entire time. Make your OWN way, you greedy bastards.

I --in no way--spotted any sort of "metamorphosis" though I know it was expected we'd buy into that.
NOPE.

So NOT making me the least bit invested in story nor care about this man's death is pretty rare (when again, IF done well & in the right hands, I weep like a baby! To this day after MANY multiple viewings, I still cry WITH & over George Bailey's plight as I think WHO doesn't know the feeling of REAL despair/desperation?? And don't get me started on Awakenings with De Niro when he dances with that girl! Or even Carousel when I listen to IF I loved you or when you walk through a storm).

All irrelevant but proving not much chore to tap my emotions, they are raw & ready to be excavated at moment's notice.

Not here, nothing...not for one second.
Failure in my estimation. Waste of time. And believe me, I adore well done & executed character studies.