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It’s A Wonderful Movie: Ranking the Characters of “It’s A Wonderful Life”

Watching Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life has been a holiday tradition for millions of households for decades. Despite only a small portion of the film taking place at Christmas time, it is considered by many to be the greatest Christmas movie of all time. Personally, not only is it my favorite Christmas movie of all time, but my favorite movie of all time. Period. Additionally, Jimmy Stewart is my favorite actor, Clarence is my favorite movie angel, and the final scene is my favorite scene in cinematic history.

Due to the fact that I’m usually hyperventilating for the last ten minutes of the film, each time I watch it I learn something new about the characters that make the movie so classic. I am not saying that I was not crying hysterically during my last re-watch, because I was, but I did manage to maintain my focus on the individual characters and determine what it is about them that make them so damn lovable.

The cast of “It’s A Wonderful Life” (Photo credit: classicfilmaficionados)

 

Ranking the Cast of “It’s A Wonderful Life”

Before I begin the countdown of the characters, I would be remiss if I did not mention some notable omissions. The countdown is based on who I would want to be friends with the most. It is safe to say that I would not accept the Facebook friend requests from the following people.

Ma Bailey

(Ma Bailey if George was never born.)

 

Now hear me out, while Ma Bailey was super sweet for most of the movie, when I think back on her, the thing that stands out the most is how unbelievably awful she was at the end of the movie when George went to see her when he was still in his “Clarence trance.”

Just to know that Ma Bailey has that cruel side to her, however deep down it may be, makes me think poorly of her, and thus excludes her from the countdown.

Plus, Ma Bailey went and did the most “Ma” thing of all time and called Mary’s house to tell her that George was going to stop by. That is pretty messed up, Ma Bailey.

Mary’s Mom

Mary’s mom being all pissed off at Mary and George.

 

The absolute worst character in the movie. ZERO redeeming qualities. She would hate me, and I would hate her.

ZuZu’s Teacher

It was nice that she gave ZuZu a flower and all, but George is right, what kind of teacher would let her students walk home in the cold with their coats unbuttoned? That is pretty messed up, Mrs. Welch. Also, your husband needs to take a chill pill. Talk about anger issues.

 

To the countdown….

15. Sam Wainwright

(Hee Haw Sam)

 

While Sam Wainwright is far and away the most annoying character in the film, he makes up for his non-stop “Hee-Haw” and cockiness at the end by wiring George Bailey $25,000, which itself more than triples the $8,000 George needed. It does, however, go to show that Sam is such a show-boater that he needs to send that much money. Just so everyone knows how successful he is.

Bottom line: I would accept Sam Wainwright’s Facebook friend request, but I would block his annoying photos of him “Hee-Haw-ing” his friends, and his posts about his vacations and new cars, and only send him a private message should I ever find myself in a pickle.

 

14. Uncle Billy

(thefilmspectrum.com)

 

Sure Uncle Billy would be a blast to hang out with at the bar, but his uncanny ability to be so forgetful is unbelievably annoying. Uncle Billy is the main reason why everything started to unravel so quickly for George. He got distracted while making an $8,000 deposit and accidentally handed the money to his nemesis, Mr. Potter.

$8,000 back then is probably close to $100,000 today, and anyone that can be THAT irresponsible, is not anyone that I would need to be friends with. I don’t need any extra help with being an irresponsible adult, especially not from 60 year old Uncle Billy.

Bottom line: I would do a few shots with Uncle Billy when I saw him out at a bar, or at family functions, but steer clear of him otherwise. And I certainly would not trust him with running errands for me.

13. Martini

(npr.org)

 

Martini owns what is seemingly the only bar in town, Martini’s, so clearly he is someone that you would want to be in cahoots with. Right before George decided to attempt suicide, old man Martini even goes as far as to say that George is his best friend, and kicks Mr. Welch, (ZuZu’s teacher’s husband) out for hitting George. No questions asked.

Friends don’t care why someone punches you in the face. Even if you yell at their wives and threaten them over the phone, you’re still in the right. Martini is a good friend through and through.

Bottom line: Not only would I be Facebook friends with Martini, but I would be one of his most loyal customers and without question be invited to his customer appreciation Christmas party at Martinis.

 

12. Annie

(photo credit: 1stslice.com)

 

Annie, the long time maid of the Bailey family, is funny, sarcastic, and completely lovable. And her reason why she has money to spare and help out George is by far the best. “I’ve been savin’ this money for a divorce, if I ever got a husband” exclaims Annie as she throws down some cash onto the table. Classic, Annie.

Annie, however, does not understand why people drink as she told Pa Bailey and George, “Boys and girls and music. Why do they need gin?” Major strike. Mind your business, Annie.

Bottom line: Not only would I enjoy being Facebook friends with Annie for her humorous posts, but I think she would be a great follow on Twitter. I bet she could live tweet the shit out of The Bachelor.

 

11. Violet

Violet has been boy-hungry her entire life. Little Mary calls out little Violet for “liking every boy,” to which Violet responds, “what’s wrong with that?” Fast forward about 15 years, and Violet is still prancing the streets looking for her next piece of meat.

While Violet would be a ton of fun to hang out with, she seems to be a bit of a user and would not bring much in the way of a friendship. Sure, she comes to the Bailey house at the end and gives George his money back, but let’s be real here: she very likely just came back to try and scoop up Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Harry.

Bottom line: I would definitely follow Violet on Instagram, if for no other reason than to judge her, and feel better about myself for having my shit more together than she does.

10. Harry

Let’s face it, Harry Bailey is pretty damn near perfect. He got college educated, met a beautiful girl while there and married her. He got offered a solid job as a researcher, and then went on to save the lives of hundreds of soldiers and won the Congressional Medal of Honor. Plus, he can give one hell of a speech that could make even Old Man Potter tear up. All that and he has the looks of a movie star.

With all that being said, who the hell wants to be friends with someone so perfect? Anyone that is friends with him must have to constantly remind him how much better they are at sledding and swimming in ice water than he is, just to make themselves feel superior in at least two things.

Bottom line: We would be Facebook friends, but I would be overcome with jealousy over how perfect his life is every time he posted anything. Therefore, I would end up resenting him.

9. Mr. Gower

(photo credit: aveleyman.com)

Mr. Gower was awfully mean to young George Bailey one day. But, once you learn Mr. Gower was in such a bad mood because his son just died of influenza, you cut the guy some slack.

To show his gratitude to George for all his years of service, Mr. Gower buys George the biggest suitcase in town for the adventures that he never ends up taking. Mr. Gower may be grouchy sometimes, but he is quite funny when he is pissed (with the exception of the whole child abuse thing, of course.)

The following is footage of Mr Bower being pissed at young George. But it could also double as footage of me yelling at a student if they come into my classroom on a Monday morning whistling a happy

tune.

Bottom line: I doubt Mr. Gower would participate in any sort of social media, but he could get me some good pain killers when I needed them, and therefore, I would visit his shop for an ice cream and small talk everyday like clockwork.

 

 

For Part 2 Click Here.

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Top 100 Songs Of 2016 (Part 4, #70-#61)

For the first three lists click below.

#100 – 91       #90-81     #80-71

 

70. “That’s All I Need” – The Dirty Heads

Released exactly at 4:20 pm on 4/20 for obvious reasons, “That’s All I Need” is the first single off The Dirty Heads 2016 self titled album. The reggae band from Huntington Beach, CA are known for their laid back, go-with-the-flow style and “That’s All I Need” is one of their best singles yet. It is fun, (once you realize you are not being pulled over by the cops and the sirens are a part of the song) and begs to be blasted when having a summer party.

Best places to listen to this song on full blast:

  • Sunbathing by the pool
  • Summertime Road Trips
  • Parties or large gatherings

Places you do not want to listen to this song.

  • Work

69. “Blame” – Bastille

In perhaps their darkest, most violent song to date, Bastille’s “Blame” is a “gangster-style story inspired by The Godfather” says frontman, Dan Smith. Right from the get-go the lyrics take the listener to a dark place and hold you prisoner for the duration.

“You go sleep with the fishes
There’s no room for you here
There’s no room for you here
Wrap your teeth around the pavement
‘Cause your body’s a message
Send my regards to hell”

Smith also goes on to say that the song “…is like a super simple snapshot of two gang members, one of whom is pissing the other one off, and it’s like that moment before pulling the trigger, and it’s the snapshot of that, and it was using imagery from like The Godfather and from American History X to just create this brooding, mean snapshot into these two people’s really extreme emotions in this little fictional narrative.”

“Blame” is angry, dark and dramatic and the perfect song to sing along with to ease whatever tension may be dragging you down.

 

 

68. “Take It All Back” – Judah & the Lion

https://youtu.be/UgfiXAXlrmk

“Take It All Back,” the upbeat, catchy track from Judah and the Lion’s latest album, Folk Hop N’ Roll is a passionate confession that he would take everything back just to be with his love. Not only does it include the best use of a banjo in alt rock this year, but it is arguably one of the most fun chorus’ to sing along with.

 

 

67. “Overnight” – The Wild Feathers

Nashville natives, The Wild Feathers, sophomore album, Lonely Is A Lifetime, was released in 2016 and their first single, “Overnight,” is about wanting instant gratification and success, but not being willing to put in the time and effort needed.

“Overnight” is confirmation for fans of The Wild Feathers that they are willing to, and more than capable of, putting in enough effort to continue to take their music to the next level.

 

66. “Rita Mae Young” – The Record Company

One of the reasons I did not pay much attention to “Rita Mae Young” when I heard it on The Spectrum the first few times is because I assumed that it was a song from the 70’s that I wasn’t familiar with. I instantly liked it, but it wasn’t on my radar to make the end of the year countdown.

It wasn’t until the third or fourth time that I heard it that I decided to get more information on this bluesy, classic rock sounding track that I was certain was The Rolling Stones era band. And much to my surprise, I found out that the song was a new release by American rock band, The Record Company.

In “Rita Mae Young” The Record Company is able to perfect a style of music that for the past 40 years, many have tried, but few have succeeded.

 

65. “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” – Billy Currington

The first country-rock song to make the countdown is Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To.” Simply put, it is about getting over a break-up that was devastating at first, but as time goes by, the pain gets more bearable.

Thankfully time heals all wounds, because if it didn’t, we would never have this killer track by Billy Currington.

 

64. “Red Flag” – The Moth & The Flame

“Red Flag” is yet another nauseatingly beautiful love song that will make single people realize exactly how single they are.

“There’s a warning in the comfort
That you’re too good to be true
They tell me over and over
There’s someone better for you
You’re the warmth I feel beside me
And the fear of growing cold
The continual reminder
Of the risk we take when we get involved…”

If those lyrics aren’t beautiful enough to make you vomit, then maybe these will do the trick.

“At the pace that we’ve been running
When our lungs begin to sting
I’m hearing over and over
“Moderation in all things”
So you’ll hopefully forgive me
If I cannot slow this down
When my body bends to weakness
Your voice will be the sound

That conceals the pain”

We get it, The Moth & The Flame, you’re head over heals in love. Thanks for rubbing it in.

 

63. “Human” – Rag’n’Bone Man

There are not many songs that have as much of an instant impact as “Human” does. Upon the first hearing, I was yearning to hear it again. It’s the first hit single from Rag’N’Bone Man, a British singer-songwriter that blends blues, soul, hip-hop and rock into one to create some of the most unique music on the radio today.

If Rag’N’Bone Man can muster up enough passion and enthusiasm as he does for “Human” on his future work, expect him to become a household name in the coming years.

 

62. “Ophelia” – The Lumineers

The Lumineers have mastered the art of creating catchy, sing-along folk rock. “Ophelia,” arguably one of the most well-known rock songs of 2016, was a hit with people of all ages, and musical preferences. Frontman Wesley Schultz told Entertainment Weekly back in February, that the song was a “a vague reference to people falling in love with fame. That spotlight can seem like an endless buffet, but in reality, you’re just shiny, bright, and new to people for a quick moment — and then you have the rest of you life to live.”

“Ophelia” as well as the band’s second single off their sophomore album Cleopatra, the title track “Cleopatra,” solidified The Lumineers as one of the biggest bands in the folk-rock genre, and shows they are well on their way to giving the grandaddies of modern folk rock, Mumford & Sons, a solid run for their money.

 

61. “Cop Vs. Phone Girl” – Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind has never been shy to hide the fact that they are as democratic as Democrats can get. Their disdain for the Republican party seems to be rapidly intensifying with every passing year. And while many people are uncomfortable with artists shoving politics down our throats, Third Eye Blind does it is such a way that you can not help but respect.

Touching on social issues such as “Black Lives Matter,” police brutality, and racism, “Cop Vs. Phone Girl” is not only a song, but a summary of America in 2016 and what we have become as a nation. There is no other band around today that has the balls to do what Stephan Jenkins and Third Eye Blind does, and no band that can do it better than they can.

 

For 60-51 click here.

 

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Top 100 Songs Of 2016 (Part 2 – #90-81)

For part 1 of the countdown click here. #100 – #91

Continuing with the next ten songs…..

 

90. “Way Down We Go” – Kaleo

The best thing to come out of Iceland since Björk’s swan dress, Kaleo, burst onto the American music scene this year with the massive hit, “Way Down We Go.” Leave it to a band from Iceland to take their video to the next level and film a live performance at the bottom of a volcano. Which volcano, you ask? Well, it was filmed in Príhnúkagigur, obviously. What other volcano would it have been filmed in?

The epic video just adds to the grit and passion that exude from Kaleo. It may have been a pain in the ass setting up shop at the bottom of a volcano, but way down they went, and it could have been any more perfect.

 

89. “Dark Necessities” – Red Hot Chili Peppers

It may have taken six months, but “Dark Necessities” finally grew on me. 25 Years after their 1991 release of Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic and the Chili Peppers are still rocking just as hard as they did when they were kids.

In 1991, if someone asked me to envision what a Red Hot Chili Pepper’s video would look like in 2016, I would have imagined this video for “Dark Necessities.” A shirtless Anthony Kiedis flailing around, Flea playing guitar while sitting in a kitchen sink, presumably naked, teenagers skateboarding at night, and a bunch of middle aged men doing things that middle aged men shouldn’t be doing for fear of pulling out their backs.

The song itself starts with a bass line that is immediately recognizable as Flea. And quickly follows with Kiedis’ million-words-a-minute rap rock.  Kiedis says that the lyrics to the song “speak to the beauty of our dark sides and how much creativity, growth and light actually comes out of those difficult struggles that we have on the inside of our heads that no one else can see.”

Think of all the great music we would have missed out on over the past 33 years if the Chili Peppers didn’t have interpersonal struggles and dark sides. One thing is for sure, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are not going to let their ages stop them from being the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

 

88. “Cassidy” – Brett Dennen

Just in time for lounging around the pool on a hot summer day, Brett Dennen released his sixth studio album, Por Favor back in May. “Cassidy”, is an easy listening, carefree, laid back track that Brett Dennen is known for.

Unfortunately we are not able to spend all day, every day laying by the pool and sipping on Piña Coladas, but thankfully Brett Dennen is around to help us get through the less enjoyable life moments when we are not doing such enjoyable things. “Cassidy” is the musical equivalent of day drinking on a blow up raft in the warm summer sun and without a care in the world. The way life should be.

 

87. “Over And Over” – Goo Goo Dolls

The Goo Goo Dolls are back with their 11th studio album, Boxes, and the first single, “Over and Over” is exactly what you would come to expect from the band. To be honest, when I first heard they had a new album out, I couldn’t have cared any less. And this is coming from a guy that couldn’t be spoken to when any song from A Boy Named Goo or Dizzy Up the Girl was playing.

It would be easy to lump Goo Goo Dolls into the same category as a band like Nickelback, but that would not be fair to them. They may be older, but they are significantly less cheesy than Nickelback, and if you don’t write them off as a 90’s band struggling to find their place in 2016, you may realize they actually have some solid tracks, with “Over and Over” being one of their best in years.

 

86. “White Flag” – Joseph

Joseph is three sisters from Portland, OR. There sophomore album, I’m Alone, No You’re Not, was released in August of this year, and contains their biggest track to date, “White Flag.” The song is about facing your fears, and not letting your fears get in your way.

“…I’ll be an army
no you’re not gonna stop me getting through
I’ll sing a marching song and
stomp through the halls
louder than you

I could surrender
but I’d just be pretending
no I’d rather be dead than live a lie
Burn the white flag!
Burn the white flag!”

Only sisters can harmonize as beautifully as Joseph does. And the chorus is so catchy and inspirational that it makes me want to go out and conquer all my fears. Except for my irrational fear of birds. I have absolutely no desire to conquer that fear. Birds suck.

 

85. “Fire” – Barns Courtney

Barns Courtney, a Brit turned Seattleite, turned Brit, had a breakout year in 2016. Courtney wrote “Fire” after being dropped by a record label. He told radio.com that the song is “an appeal to myself to remember why I got into music and what it was all about and to hold on to whatever that spark was.” The song is a great reminder that the hard times you go through are temporary, and to never give up on your dreams.

The chorus of “Fire” will get your adrenaline pumping and your blood flowing. Put this song on repeat when you go for a run, and you are sure to break your previous pathetic personal best running time.

 

84. “Coming Alive” – Kodaline

The Irish lads from Dublin are back with their latest track off their 2015 album, Coming Up For Air, “Coming Alive.” 2016 marks the 4th consecutive year, Kodaline has had a song make the end of the year countdown. “All I Want” in 2013, “High Hopes” in 2014, “The One” in 2015 and now “Coming Alive” in 2016 are all examples of why Kodaline are major players in the alt rock world.

“Coming Alive” is a love song. It is so much of a love song, that it could bring a tear to your eye for one of two reasons. One reason may be that the song reminds you of your signification other, and how much joy they bring into your life. Or another reason, the song reminds you that you are alone, and will likely remain alone for the remainder of your days.

“From the morning sun to the midnight hour
From the break of day to the dark of night
You’re in my head and my heart and it feels much better
Yeah, it feels so good and it feels so right.”

Thanks Kodaline for the reminder that I think about wine the way that normal people think about their significant other.

 

83. “Wish I Knew You” – The Revivalists

The Revivalists are a seven piece rock/soul band from New Orleans. They found massive success in 2016 with their hit “Wish I Knew You,” which has such a unique sound that proves that The Revivalists are in a class of their own.

Jazz, soul, funk and rock combine to create one of the most fun and colorful songs of the year. “Wish I Knew You,” which sounds like a perfect blend of 2 parts Alabama Shakes, 2 parts JJ Grey & Mofro, and 1 part Maroon 5, becomes even more fun when paired with the video of the New Orleans Septet jamming on stage as an older crowd of fans rip it up on the dance floor.

 

82. “Wake Up Call” – Nothing But Thieves

Released back in 2014 in the UK, “Wake Up Call” finally made its way over to the States in 2016. The band Nothing But Thieves, out of Essex, England, has said of their music, “We try not to say too much about the lyrics……One of our favorite things is for someone to say to us ‘oh I think the song is about this.’ It’s not, but that’s so nice for us to hear.”

So don’t go over analyzing this modern rock anthem. Take it for what it is; a killer track from one of the England’s best up and coming bands that could easily be on track towards becoming the next Radiohead or Muse.

 

81. “Bonfire” – The Hunna

One of the best surprises of the year is the band The Hunna, yet another killer new band out of England. “Bonfire,” though released in 2015 in the UK, was released just a few weeks ago here in the States. The Hunna’s first single to hit the US earlier this year was the unbelievably catchy “You And Me.” And with the release of “Bonfire” the band proved that they were more than just one hit wonders.

“Bonfire,” quite possibly the breakup song of the year, is fast, loud, and in your face. Exactly what you want from a breakup song.

 

 

Come back Friday for the next ten songs on the countdown. #80-71