Here's lookin' at you, Casablanca

Rating: 9/10 (31 October 2005)

In the middle of World War II emerges a small "waiting room" called Casablanca in French Morocco. In the depths of this small town reigns the most popular night spot in Casablanca known as "Rick's Café Americain." And let me tell you, this is the place to be. Everybody comes to Rick's.
Our famous hot spot is run by Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), exiled American and freedom fighter. Normal will cease to exist after Rick comes about two letters of transit. All of a sudden, Czech Underground leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) arrives in Casablancawith Rick's old love Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman). Past memories arise causing love, friction, and much more.
Noted director Michael Curtiz, 56, took over the direction of this filmand did a magnificent job if you ask me! Also having directed films such as The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Daughters Courageous (1939), and The Sea Hawk (1940), Casablanca still acts as my favorite of his collection.
Many exciting technological features have been shown in this movie. There are shadow effects that bring out many points of the motion picture. A neat fading transition sought out my attention.
The acting in this film was excellent. Humphrey Bogart, also starring in The Maltese Falcon (1941) and High Sierra (1941), portrayed his character extremely well. Co-starring Ingrid Bergman, who clinched stardom in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) and Adam Had Four Sons (1941). Together, these two made the show on the big screen. I was compelled by the chemistry between the two.
All in all, this movie was right in the right areas. It was a tremendous love story with drama mixed into it all. It is a great date movie and I would give it 5 stars! "Here's lookin' at you, Casablanca!" *****