Frank Crapra's Classic

FRI 12/19 It's bad enough that, each and every holiday season, I have to sit through the ten-millionth airing of Charlie Brown finding out what Christmas means. I get it already. Burl Ives is a freaking snowman; the elf wants to be a damn dentist, and Yukon Cornelius is the...

December 18, 2003

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FRI 12/19

It's bad enough that, each and every holiday season, I have to sit through the ten-millionth airing of Charlie Brown finding out what Christmas means. I get it already. Burl Ives is a freaking snowman; the elf wants to be a damn dentist, and Yukon Cornelius is the only hint of testosterone in all the North Pole. But I'll accept all of that. What I will not stand for is another screening of It's a Wonderful Life.

Where to begin? Does no one else realize that George Bailey's (Jimmy Stewart) life is, in fact, not at all wonderful? Does anyone else ever consider that Bailey is a standup guy who, nevertheless, has had all his kindness paid for by the colossal shitstorm that is the so-called American Dream? Heck, when he finally decides to end it all, even God Himself plays a cruel prank on Bailey by sending His most bumbling angel to try to fix the problem. The fact is that the problem gets fixed notwithstanding. Actually, this movie's pretty good if you accept it for what it is -- a lesson that nice guys finish last, complete assholes get all the money, and it would take an act of God to change that. Bah, humbug!

It's a Wonderful Life screens at Mizner Park Amphitheater (Federal Highway at NE Mizner Park Boulevard, Boca Raton). Admission is free. Call 561-393-7806. -- Dan Sweeney

Artistic Flair

Oh, I've seen Fire and I've seen Mud

FRI 12/19

Are you in a frenzied search for a Christmas gift? Has your soul been damaged from scouring malls with the other holi-zombies and staring into Elmo's googly, desperate eyes? Then check out Artistic Constructions Second Annual Holiday Show and Sale. The Hallandale-based Fire and Mud Ceramics studio sponsors the event, which features unique handmade ceramics, mosaics, pottery, and sculpture, as well as photography and paintings from local artists, all at affordable prices. The opening reception is Friday at 6 p.m. at 2000 Harrison St., Hollywood, across from Try My Thai. The sale continues Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 954-455-3099. -- Audra Schroeder

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