Case-of-blah- blah -blah-nca Or More? (Edited After Watching "Play It Again, Sam")

Rating: Null/10 (24 May 2005)

Many years ago, I went to see this classic as a part of the series "The Masterpieces of the World Cinema" in one of the best Moscow theaters. I fell asleep. I never tried to see it again until couple of weeks ago when I did not fell asleep but I wish I did. I wish I have not seen it, so, I would have beautiful illusions that the film was incredible - now I know it is not. I understand that I am against the best part of international movie watching community that believes "Casablanca" is one of or even THE Best film ever made. I feel like I am witnessing the largest case of "The King Is Naked" here.
Of course, there are some parts of the film that I like but I did not find it brilliant, inspirational, breathtaking, moving, deep or stunning. I confess I am guilty of using some memorable quotes of the film, like "We'll always have Paris" but after hearing Bogart saying, "Here, looking at you, kid" for the third or fourth time I thought I would explode. I did not find the film very romantic and I don't believe that Bogart and Bergman played the best roles of their careers.
For me, the worst scene that left me speechless in disbelieve was the one where Rick (Bogart) became a "cynic with the heart of gold" and helped a young Bulgarian couple to win the money for the visas. I know it should feel good but it was so false and unnaturally acted by all actors involved I could not believe my eyes and my ears.
I love Ingrid Bergman but she was so not herself in the film, IMO, so not passionate. And that perfectly arranged tear on her cheek - like in the movie...
My beloved film-maker Woody Allen adores "Casablanca" and he even wrote a love letter to it in the form of a play, and later a movie called "Play It Again, Sam" (1972) which I saw recently. In the movie which Allen did not direct himself but which is still his from the first to the final shot, he plays Allan, a neurotic movie buff who writes the film reviews (what else?). Allan not just loves movies; he lives in the movies' world and constantly takes advices on how to get the girls from the legendary hero of his all time favorite movie "Casablanca", Humphrey Bogart's Rick. I am not a fan of "Casablanca" at all and I am not going to see it again but if my favorite Artist is so much in love with it, I admit that there may be something special in it. It is just not mine.