In The Family Man, Jack Campbell is a stock broker at a big firm in NYC and has tons of money. He also has a Ferrari and a fancy apartment. Jack believes that he has everything, but it all changes when he has a run in with a mysterious man at a convenience store. The mysterious man, named Cash, questions Jack on his life views and Jack tells him he is wrong. When Jack falls asleep that same night, he wakes up in a whole other life. His new life has himself married to his college girlfriend Kate, living in a townhouse in New Jersey, working at his father-in-laws tire store, and with two kids. Jack is scared and demands his old life back which he knows Cash took from him, but has to deal with this "Glimpse" of what could have been until he learns his lesson. After awhile, Jack learns to love his new life and wishes it could stay, but Cash has to send him back and when Jack gets back to his old life, he immediately goes to find Kate. Jack and Kate then go out for coffee and begin to rekindle their old relationship.
This movie teaches you that money isn't everything. Though that is a corny and typical lesson, this movie takes it farther. It says that money is good, but it isn't everything in life. You must also have love and friends and not obsess over your work. Jack told himself that he didn't need Kate and all was good. Wrong! Jack needed Kate because he still loved her. One other thing, Cash. He doesn't say this, but he was an angel. That sounds dumb, but how else do you explain the things he could do? This is the biggest similarity between these two movies and it's the angel that gives the main character's their life "Glimpses". Next film.
In It's a Wonderful Life, George Baily leads a life of adventure. He plans to go around the world for The National Geographic Society and ends up canceling due to his Father's death. As a result of said death, George takes control of his father's savings & loan building for the local town. Everyone is happy with the work George does and so is George. The job grows and George and eventually he meets Mary. Mary is a girl from George's childhood and she has always loved him. After some rough moments (non-sexual) she and George fall in love and get married. The local Nazi, I mean business man Mr. Potter has been trying to take the savings & loan for years and steps up his game after George starts a family because of the wealth needs George suddenly has. George puts up a good fight but after having some kids, things don't look so good. It's George's Uncle Billy who ruins it all after losing the bank payments. George says to himself "FML" and contemplates suicide. Suddenly, George's guardian angel, Clarence, saves George and shows him what life would be like without him. George sees the error of his ways and goes home. Upon returning home, the town's people lend help with the financial problems of the Baily Family and evryone has a good time.
This movie teaches you that no matter how bad life seems, you are important to all those who matter in your life in some way. A life without you would be a different place altogether and you are needed for some good reason. Obviously a more powerful message but a important one non the less. This movie is considered The Fmily Man's predecessor and I agree. Both have strong messages and teach you things. I prefer It's a wonderful Life. I prefer it because it has more to it and is deeper in meaning. Plus, it's the original and you can't fight that. I still like The Family Man though so don't get mad.
Merry Christmas and enjoy my picture!
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