Casablanca

Pros: Everything!

Cons: That would be a no!

The Bottom Line: If imitation is indeed the greatest form of flattery, then this particular film has a received more flattery than any other film in history.

Review: 26 November 1942, a day that probably means nothing to no-one (unless of course you happen to have been born on that particular day, but it will mean nothing to most other people) yet it's a day that should go down in history as the birth of a ...

Pros: Only the most important things: story and acting.

Cons: The hype might keep you away from it as long as it did me.

The Bottom Line: If someone loved you, so that your happiness was the only thing she wanted, but she did a bad thing to make certain of it, could you forgive her?

Review: Casablanca is one of the usual suspects. You know what I mean. The Battleship Potemkin, Metropolis, Citizen Kane, Seven Samurai, North by Northwest, 2001: A Space Odyssey. You know the type, the films ...

Pros: It has nearly everything most people want in a movie.

Cons: It hurts a little, but it's a good hurt.

The Bottom Line: If you want to see a movie at the top of the spectrum of films, here it is.

Review: It is fairly easy to pick the worst movie ever made; a lot of people are in agreement that this egregious honor goes to Plan 9 from Outer Space. A task much harder is to pick the best movie ever made. There are many contenders ...

Pros: Everything.

Cons: Nothing...not even that costuming gaffe.

The Bottom Line: The Epinions ratings on Action/Special Effects/Suspense are irrelevant...this movie is more than an action flick; it's a true American classic.

Review: (To the reader: This review is about the original MGM DVD release and NOT about the 2-disc edition released by Warner Home Video in 2003.) Casablanca! The very name conjures up an exotic mix of adventure, intrigue, heroism, selfless sacrifice, and ...

Pros: Too many to mention here

Cons: If you find one, let me know

The Bottom Line: Casablanca is the best film ever to win the Oscar for Best Picture. The story and messages are just as topical as ever.

Review: "Casablanca" is one of the most beloved films in the history of cinema. Every key player in this Oscar-winning picture of 1943 is remembered for their part in this unforgettable film. Some people have seen this film so many times, they know every word...

Pros: As close to perfect as Hollywood gets, everything came together like a dream on this movie: direction, writing, music, cinematography and--of course--a first-rate cast

Cons: One or two lines of sappy dialogue--but ONLY one or two!

Review: On January 6, 1942, screenwriter Robert Buckner sent a memo to Hal Wallis, the legendary producer at Warner Brothers studios regarding a play he’d just read: “Dear Hal, I don’t believe the story or the characters. Its main situations and the basic...

Pros: great lines, tight direction, great performances, compelling story

Cons: melodrama, one flashback too many

The Bottom Line: This is a must-see film.

Review: Captain Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca? Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters. Captain Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert. Rick: I was misinformed. Major Strasser: Are you one of ...

Pros: An absolute gem!

Cons: None

The Bottom Line: One of the all-time classics, Casablanca deserves a place in your video collection.

Review: A film which many critics consider the finest in history is Director Michael Curtiz' "Casablanca". I happen to think it is right on up there, although I've never pinned myself down to a formal ranking of my very, very favorites. The ...

Pros: Considered one of the cinematic greats...

Cons: ...but to 2004 eyes it'll be ever so dated.

The Bottom Line: One of the greats, and unmissable.

Review: Continuing the tireless struggle of Catching Up With Movies I Should Have Seen By 21, I snuggled up with my paramour (if one's teddy bear can be considered a paramour and why not I say) to sit down and watch the DVD of Casablanca. Directed by ...

Pros: This is simply one of Hollywood's greatest achievements. Ever.

Cons: Not much (aside from Lauren Bacall's face in the documentary. YIKES.)

The Bottom Line: This is justifiably considered one of the greatest all time films. Rent it. Own it. Love it.

Review: Rick: Who are you really, and what were you before? What did you do, and what did you think, huh?

Ilsa: We said no questions.

Rick: Here’s looking at you, kid.



The other night I was feeling a bit...