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Ben Stiller can easily be one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors with a plethora of movies under his belt. People absolutely loved his projects such asMeet the Parents, Zoolander,andThe Secret Life of Walter Mittyto name a few. Now after a hiatus of seven long years, the actor is back with his 2024 Christmas movieNutcrackers. This is just perfect as with Christmas just around the corner, fans have started binge-watching their favorite holiday movies.
In this regard, actor Ben Stiller is also not far behind and while promoting his movie, he revealed what his favorite film was for the holidays. The movie is none other thanIt’s a Wonder Life, which can easily be one of the greatest Christmas movies out there. Released in 1946 it’s a supernatural drama produced and directed by Frank Capra.
In this article, let’s dive deeper into why it’s one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces out there, and why Stiller loves watching it so much.
Ben Stiller Talks AboutNutcrackersand His Favorite Christmas Movie
Ben Stillerhas been in the industry for several decades now and has acted in a number of movies. However, for the last seven years, he was noticeably absent from the big screens until Hulu’sNutcrackers. The comedy icon talked about the same as to why he stepped away from acting during the world premiere ofNutcrackersat the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
He said that staying away from acting was his intentional decision driven by changing priorities, adding viaEW“I kind of made the choice a few years ago that I was only going to do something if it really hit me.”This was the main reason why he chose to work onNutcrackers, a Christmas comedy directed by David Gordon Green. The 58-year-old actor also added that the movie resonated with him on a more emotional level.
In this, he stars as a real estate agent helping a child services worker played by Linda Cardellini as they try to find a home for four mischievous orphaned boys. During anexclusive interviewfor the movie, the cast ofNutcrackerswas also asked what their favorite Christmas movies were.
To this, Ben Stiller replied“It’s a Wonderful Life”– a Christmas classic that can easily be one of the most beloved and greatest movies out there. In another interview viaParade, the actor detailed more on this subject while adding:
We love The Year Without a Santa Claus [from 1974]. That’s one that we watch every year. My kids, who are not kids anymore, always watch Elf and The Santa Clause. But parents are not invited to that. We all watch The Polar Express, and then we usually fall asleep.
He continued:
And I love It’s a Wonderful Life. We always attempt to watch that. I do love watching movies and hanging out with the family.
While the actor had stepped back from lead roles since 2017, he did take supporting roles in projects such asGreedandBros. Not only that but he also directed well-acclaimed shows likeEscape at DannemoraandSeverance. While this worked well for him, he chose to make a comeback as a lead inNutcrackers, and if thereviews of the movieare to be believed, people are absolutely loving the film.
WhyIt’s a Wonderful LifeIs One of the Greatest Christmas Movies Ever
In the year 1946, as people were recovering from the disasters of World War II, Frank Capra decided to bring a story that would bring in more hope and comfort. The story of howIt’s a Wonderful Lifewas made is as interesting and inspiring as the movie itself. It started out as ashort story writtenby Philip Van Doren Stern, who was unable to find a publisher to release it.
So, he decided to print it as a pamphlet and send it out to friends and family along with their Christmas cards. But by a stroke of luck, this pamphlet caught the attention of Frank Capra who saw the potential of turning it into a movie. So, he bought the rights to the movie, wrote its screenplay, and also directed it into the masterpiece we know today.
While a lot went behind to make it, when it was released, it failed to perform well at the box office. The reason for this could be the fact that people at the time were still adjusting to the post-war world and the movies’ heavy themes and subjects didn’t connect with everyone. Critics on the other hand also had their concerns, with some even calling it overly sentimental.
But as time went by, the movie’s copyright expired and it entered the public domain, further allowing television stations to start airing it. This was its turning point and made it a beloved Christmas special. The major strength of the movie was definitely its strong performance, with James Stewart’s character George Bailey perfectly capturing the struggles of a common man overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
Other stars in the movie were Donna Reed, and Henry Travers to name a few. While the movie was not intentionally marketed as a Christmas movie, it became one of the most iconic holiday films. The making of the movie was also quite remarkable given that in the 1940s filmmakers didn’t have the required technology.
So, Capra relied heavily on creativity and craftsmanship. The set of the same for Belford Falls (the fictional town) was constructed on four acres of land filled with real trees, buildings, and even animals. The special effects teams for the movie also created a new type of artificial snow which also earned them an award for technical innovation.
TowardsIt’s a Wonderful Lifeis more than just a movie and a reminder that values bring people together and that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
You can watchNutcrackerson Hulu andIt’s a Wonderful Lifecan be streamed on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1436
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
