grimmer

You Can't Take It with You

It’s good. Sure, a bit boring at times, but it’s a feel good film which does make you feel good. The comedy is funny and jokes are good. Not sure about some of the philosophy but it’s a simple film with a simple plot which does what it wants to well. Jimmy Stewart is great as always.

Codeliusthe2nd

You Can't Take It with You

You Can’t Take It with You has a lot of charm to it, with lovable characters and lessons learned by the less-lovable ones. Nothing revolutionary, but still a very fun watch.

josie

You Can't Take It with You

Frank Capra’s You Can’t Take It with You is an absolute delight, filled with warmth, humor, and a quirky charm that still holds up remarkably well nearly a century later. It tells the story of the eccentric Sycamore family, whose free-spirited way of life clashes with the rigid, business-driven mindset of the wealthy Kirby family when Alice Sycamore falls in love with Tony Kirby. What makes this film truly shine is the Sycamore family itself. Every member is a joy to watch, but Essie, the aspiring ballerina whose dedication to her art—despite her clear lack of professional talent—is both hilarious and endearing. She’s definitely my favorite! The way she floats around the house, practicing pirouettes at the most inappropriate times, is just one example of how Capra expertly weaves humor into every moment. The humor in this film is, frankly, timeless. The absurdity of the Sycamore household never feels forced, and the physical comedy is executed with expert precision. Even the more old-fashioned elements of the script still generate laughs, proving that good comedy can transcend generations. And while the story is ultimately a romance at heart, it’s the family dynamic that steals the show. That said, if I have two complaints: Tony and Alice’s romance isn’t given nearly as much screen time as I would have liked. The chemistry between Stewart and Arthur is fantastic, and their scenes together sparkle with wit and charm, but their relationship takes a backseat to the broader conflict between their families, leaving their love story feeling a bit underdeveloped. The other aspect that didn’t sit quite right with me is how, in a household where no one is expected to work—where hobbies and passions take precedence over financial concerns—Black characters are still relegated to servitude. Given the film’s otherwise progressive, anti-capitalist message, this contradiction is hard to ignore. It’s a reminder of the era in which the movie was made and a missed opportunity to extend the Sycamores’ philosophy to everyone under their roof. Other than that, I absolutely adored this film. The ending, while completely unrealistic, left me grinning from ear to ear. It’s the kind of feel-good conclusion that I love—sentimental, yes, but so deeply satisfying that I wouldn’t want it any other way. I found myself wishing I could step into the Sycamores’ world, to sit in their cluttered living room while Penny types out another unfinished play and Grandpa offers life advice over a game of checkers. You Can’t Take It with You isn’t just a movie; it’s an invitation to embrace life’s simple joys and live by your own rules. And in today’s fast-paced, success-driven world, that message feels as relevant as ever.