A Wonderful Life

We went to the tiny Grand Illusion Theater two blocks from our house to see "It's a Wonderful Life" tonight, and it was such a treat. We got to be in this tiny neighborhood theater with only about 10 other people watching this holiday classic tonight.  There's no beating seeing an actual 35 mm film projection on the big screen, and it was also fun to have such an intimate setting that everyone clapped together at the end of the movie!   

Though Taylor was skeptical at first, he did tell me that it was really good at the end. On the walk home, Jason told Taylor that he can't watch that movie without tearing up, and Taylor even admitted that he got pretty close. :)  It really is a wonderful life. 

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" -Clarence

The movie ends with perhaps the most famous line in the film, when George Bailey's youngest daughter, Zuzu, says, "Look, Daddy: Teacher says that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings."

history of the theater: 

"The Grand Illusion Cinema is the longest-running independent cinema in the city, and has become a landmark of the film community. Opened in 1968 by Randy Findley in a converted dentist’s office, the cinema became the city’s first arthouse, showcasing foreign and revival films. The cinema was such a success it led to Randy's opening the Seven Gables Cinema and eventually starting the local Seven Gables Theatre Chain, which inevitably got swallowed by the national Landmark Cinema Corporation. The Grand Illusion was never part of the Seven Gables chain, and remained a popular independent venue. A nonprofit film arts organization, the Northwest Film Forum, saved the theater from closure in 1997, remodeled it, and revitalized interest in the venerable institution. Since 2004, a strong group of dedicated staff and volunteers focus attention and energy on continuing the tradition of this treasured cinema. Over the years, literally hundreds of cinema classics, rarities and truly independent cinema from around the world have been presented in the charming confines of The Grand Illusion Cinema."