I watch It's a Wonderful Life every year, and I always get so mad at one villain (not Mr. Potter)

Every year, It's a wonderful life awakens a series of emotions. My heart breaks when George Bailey has to postpone his dreams over and over again, and is as devastated as he is by the weight and frustration of it all. However, it's all worth it for the beautiful and uplifting spirit you find throughout.

At the time of It's a wonderful lifeis ending and Harry declaring his brother “the richest man in town”, I will definitely be crying happy tears. It's a perfect classic Christmas movie, and watching it on Christmas Eve at the local theater is one of my favorite traditions, as it is for many. “Merry Christmas, cinema,” in fact!

Between the joy, the sadness, the romance and the frustration, however, is anger. It may not be an emotion commonly associated with It's a wonderful lifebut he said anger is an important part of it, because it's another critical feeling. It is often directed at Mr. Potter, and deservedly so, as the greedy old bastard finds his only pleasure in the misery of others, and the misery of the Bailey family more than most. But while we should absolutely root against Potter, the film has another quasi-villain who I'm not so discreet about every year.

I get so angry at Tom, It's a Wonderful Life

He stands out among the residents of Bedford Falls

The part of It's a wonderful life What makes me angry is when there's a run on the bank. Admittedly, frustrations and tensions are already high: George just can't help but go back to see what's going on and deal with the crisis (but if he could, it wouldn't be George Bailey). Poor Mary has to give up her honeymoon, and the money will be used to keep the Building & Loan open and give its customers enough money to tide them over until the banks reopen.

Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, everyone plays catch… except Tom. That damn Tom and his $242. An amount that apparently won't ruin anyone. Except, Tom this almost ruins everyone as Building & Loan survives for just $2and thus avoid falling into Mr. Potter's clutches.

Although sweet Mrs. Davis can settle for just $17.50, God bless him, Tom insists on the full amount no matter what, in what is one of the most aggravating acts of selfishness I can imagine in a film. Christmas. George should have let him close the account.

Tom makes a wonderful life more realistic

It is an important part of Bedford Falls

Of course, While I can't help but be mad at Tom's selfish actions, that's also the point, and part of what makes this movie so good. to watch every year. It's a wonderful life It's simply about being human. The beauty is that this also shows the bad side of it: we have to see the worst in people to truly appreciate the best in them.

The film understands that most people – except Mr. Potter – are multifaceted, capable of good and evil. George himself is a perfect representation of this, who is played extraordinarily well by James Stewart – we see his own weaknesses and frustrations, his flashes of anger and darkness, as much as we see his pure heart and generosity, which is why I love him so much. and what makes him so relatable.

That's why, It is very realistic that in a scenario like the bank and Building & Loan, some people's reaction is to think about themselves and make sure they're okay, screw the rest. That was true of society in 1946, and it's true today, and in reality there would probably be more than one Tom. That doesn't mean I won't get mad at him again this year, because I can already feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about it. , but it's all part of the fun of the film.

It's a wonderful end to life that almost redeems Tom

Yes, the ending is perfect

Tom plays a role It's a wonderful lifeis ending, as he is among the many Bedford Falls residents who show up at George's house at the end and give him some money (although it's unclear if it's $242, and I bet it isn't!). Even Tom shows up when someone needs help, which helps make the film's message stronger. Still, he can still fuck with his “What is this, another bank run?” joke. Read the room, Tom.