Casablanca

1942 Drama directed by Michael Curtiz. We watched the 2008 blu-ray version that also contained a 1955 Casablanca television episode (awful) and a Bugs Bunny parody cartoon Carrotblanca (genius).

Casablanca was never supposed to be a great film. Just one of a dozen films released by Warner Bros. that year, but featuring Humphrey Bogart in his first romantic lead role. It has become one of the most beloved (and quoted) films of all time, and for good reason.

Casablanca takes place in Morocco during WWII and centers around Rick's Café Américain where everybody knows your name. Rick (Bogart) runs the joint, and mostly keeps his head down. That all changes when an ex-lover Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) breezes through the door. All hell breaks loose, and at the end nearly everyone has sacrificed something.

First off, the blu-ray looked amazing. I've never seen the film look or sound so good. Casablanca a fanastic film with great characters that all grow and change throughout the film. The ending is satisfying, despite the fact that the US Production Code wouldn't allow it to end any other way.

I give it an 8.5, and here's why.

I love this film, but it could have packed a much more emotional punch with the ending. I think it missed a great opportunity to highlight the sacrifices made by all. The ending seemed a bit rushed.

Plus...the most corny line ever was hidden in the middle of the film. As artillery guns fire off in the distance, Ilsa rattles off, "Is that cannon fire, or is that my heart pounding?" Actually, its big blocks of cheese falling on the floor.

The one thing I did learn, is that there is no correct way to pronounce the title. They all say it differently in the film. When in doubt, go with the spanish accent...it just sounds cooler.