People went through a phase a few years ago of saying that It’s a Wonderful Life only ever became so well-known because of a quirk of tv scheduling, but the truth is that aside from the values, it’s just such a well-made film that it would be weird if it hadn’t imo. The jokes are still funny, the speeches still slap, James Stewart gives an all-time great performance
Honestly the same thing can be said about a Christmas Story. It was released with little fanfare in the 80’s but basically became a cult Christmas classic in the Midwest. Really still holds up, with only a little bit of racist humor against the Chinese at the end (but honestly they portray them as doing their best to give great customer service and everyone actually enjoying their experience).
The pure joy of the Charleston scene (and its physical comedy as they dance closer to the edge), or the fact that every little character in Bedford falls matters - there’s so many great little bits in the film.
It helps it has good politics as well, but it’s the way that it creates a world that you inhabit for a few hours - how could it not be popular
People went through a phase a few years ago of saying that It’s a Wonderful Life only ever became so well-known because of a quirk of tv scheduling, but the truth is that aside from the values, it’s just such a well-made film that it would be weird if it hadn’t imo. The jokes are still funny, the speeches still slap, James Stewart gives an all-time great performance
Honestly the same thing can be said about a Christmas Story. It was released with little fanfare in the 80’s but basically became a cult Christmas classic in the Midwest. Really still holds up, with only a little bit of racist humor against the Chinese at the end (but honestly they portray them as doing their best to give great customer service and everyone actually enjoying their experience).
The pure joy of the Charleston scene (and its physical comedy as they dance closer to the edge), or the fact that every little character in Bedford falls matters - there’s so many great little bits in the film.
It helps it has good politics as well, but it’s the way that it creates a world that you inhabit for a few hours - how could it not be popular