Casablanca

Casablanca is one of those films that tops everyone's lists of great films. It's easy to see why; the film is fantastic. It's a black and white film, but you should be able to get over than (If you can't, your pickier about your movies than I am. That's not a good thing). The one thing that might drive you up the wall, however is the World War Two brand of patriotism not so subtly woven into the piece. Oh, and the way the female character is totally helpless without a man to lead her around.

The movie takes place in the title city of Casablanca. It's a way-point for refugees attempting to escape the Nazis in Europe and get to America. Our hero is Rick, an America with a questionable past who runs Rick's Café Américain. He has a decent relationship with the important people of the city, including Captain Renault. The captain, despite being overdue for a kick to the face, warns Rick that an important Nazi official is coming to town. The Nazis are hoping to catch the dashing Victor Laszlo. Well, recapture, since he escaped from a concentration camp (We're left to assume the camp was run by a Colonel Wilhelm Klink*). To make matters worse, a woman from Rick's past is traveling with Laszlo.

Casablanca is awesome. I hesitate to award a six out of five, since that would make my rating system rather silly, but it's better than anything else we've watched so far. Anyone who can get past the sexism of an earlier, more stupid time will enjoy this film. Anyone else will probably tolerate it.

*Ten points to anyone who got that