Casablanca Turns 70

This was an entertainment column I wrote for A&M-Texarkana's online newspaper, The Navigator:




Right now all the buzz in the movie industry is the outcome of the Academy Awards which were held in February, and upcoming movies such as The Hunger Games and The Avengers. However, there is one film that is redeemed as a true American classic headlining entertainment news; yet no one seems to know.


This year Casablanca celebrates its 70th anniversary of its release.What is astonishing is that not only do most people not know about this iconic event in movie history, but they haven't even seen the movie. Particularly people who fit in the college-age demographic. "To be ignorant of American art is astounding", Dr. Wagy, History professor at TAMUT said.


The film follows character Rick, who owns the night club "Rick's Cafe Americain" in unoccupied Casablanca, Morocco during World War II. His encounter with a former flame and her libertarian husband supplies us with the plot; the characters deal with emotional wounds of their past that are now brought into the present while also encountering situations with Nazis.


IMDB lists these headlining actors that can be seen in Casablanca and other movies you can see them in: Humphrey Bogart(The African Queen), Ingrid Bergman(Murder on the Orient Express), Claude Rains(Lawrence of Arabia), and Peter Lorre(The Maltese Falcon).


Although the movie is set in a french-speaking country, the movie is an obvious American-made product. Rick, although a solemn character who keeps to himself and "sticks his head out for nobody", is respected and admired by all of the citizens of Casablanca. He, the American, is depicted almost as the epitome of cool. The local government keeps his club open because they know that he has nothing to do with certain illegal activities that goes on in it, and also because he fixes Roulette to where Claude Rains' character, Captain Louis Renault wins big money.


Although Casablanca focuses on the romantic and war aspects of the plot, it does deliver several doses of humor. In one scene, Rick is speaking to Captain Renault about why he is in Casablanca. He says he came their for the waters, where Renault exclaims, "The waters, what waters? We're in the desert!" where Rick states "I was misinformed."


The acting in this movie has never really been surpassed in any other. The actors perform in such a way that conveys how one can experience multiple emotions at a time. Anger, bitterness, fear, heartache, confusion, and excitement can all be identified in Rick when his lost love Ilsa comes back into his life. Another instance where emotions are realistically conveyed is when a flashback of Paris being taken by the Nazis is shown, and the sheer panic and fear is shown by the extras who are playing Perisian citizens.


Everyone has movie quotes that they love to bring into everyday conversation. This movie gave us many quotes that have been duplicated in other movies for comedic effect. "We'll always have Paris", "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world she walks into mine", "Play it again Sam", "Here's looking at you kid", and "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship" are some quotes you may recognize. One film, Out Cold, is almost an unofficial modern remake of Casablanca, as the plot and some of the quotes are similar.


It should be noted that this film was actually made DURING World War II, so emotions were high when it came to Nazis. In one scene, some Nazi characters are singing a German anthem, when all of the other patrons in the club start singing "La Marseillaise", the French national anthem at the same time, starting a "battle of the anthems" with the Germans. They eventually blur out the German song with theirs and start yelling "Viva La France!". The scene is very powerful as I watch it in 2012, I can only imagine the effect it had on audiences in theaters when the film was first released.


For those of you who don't know much about the plot or the actors in the movie, you may just want to watch it just for the fun of it. This movie was made when men and women alike dressed in style, and the costume design of this film really shows it. There are some black and white movies that move at a much slower pace than what we're used to today, but this film is not one of them; it is entertaining and informative of World history from beginning to end. If that doesn't make you want to watch it, atleast see it for the pure beauty that is Ingrid Bergman.


To celebrate the film's 70th anniversary, many theaters are showing the film for one night only, and one of Texarkana's own cinemas is doing so! Cinemark Movies 14 will be showing the film on March 21st at 7 P.M. To find out other theaters Casablanca will be showing at, go to: http://www.fathomevents.com/upcoming/alllocations.aspx?eventid=1067

Movies about Movies article

Here's a link to an entertainment column I did for my college's online newspaper--April edition
http://tamutexarkana.wordpress.com/movies-about-movies/

The Big Chill

      Today I have a great urge to watch the comedy classic "The Big Chill". However, I have failed to bring my copy of the film to the dorms upon my return, so I am simply going to do a profile on it and the actors shown in it. 
      For those of you who have not seen it, "The Big Chill" is a film from 1983 that follows the experience of seven friends who attended college together reunited for the loss of the 8th member of their former group. Old flames are rekindled, and we are brought up to speed on each character's life since college and the personality changes they have gone through since. With superb acting, a great soundtrack, and every emotion imaginable, this is truly an example of a perfect Americana film!
     Now I'd like to tell you about the headlining players of the cast, and other films they are known for. 


Tom Berenger
The Last of the Dogmen
Shattered
Platoon


Glenn Close
Fatal Attractions
The World According to Garp
The Elephant Man


Jeff Goldblum
Jurassic Park 
The Fly
Independence Day


William Hurt
Neverwas
A History of Violene
Michael


Kevin Kline
Wild Wild West
French Kiss
A Fish Called Wanda


Mary Kay Place
Captain Ron
Sweet Home Alabama
City of Ember


Meg Tilly
Psycho II
*DID YOU KNOW, THAT MEG TILLY IS JENNIFER TILLY'S YOUNGER SISTER?*


JoBeth Williams
Poltergeist
In The Land of Women
Jungle to Jungle


Kevin Costner
The Untouchables
Field of Dreams
Wyatt Earp


*FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE SEEN THE FILM BUT ARE CONFUSED AS TO WHY KEVIN COSTNER IS LISTED, HE WAS ACTUALLY CAST TO PLAY ALEX, THE DECEASED COLLEGE FRIEND THAT BRINGS ALL OF THE CHARACTER'S TOGETHER AGAIN..ALL OF HIS SCENES WERE CUT FROM THE FILM, EXCEPT FOR AT THE BEGINNING WHEN YOU SEE HIS HAIR LINE WHEN THE BODY IS BEING PREPARED FOR THE FUNERAL*

Christmas Movie Gold

So obviously I'm going to do a post on my favorite Christmas movies...and here they are (in no particular order):


Christmas Vacation(1989)
Anyone who has not seen this addition to the Griswold Family adventures is seriously missing out! Clark, played by Chevy Chase, is as usual trying to give his family the perfect vacation--in this case, the perfect Christmas spent at home with family.But when is it ever perfect when the entire family is involved?
*No, this is not one of my favorites because there is a character named Bethany*
Cast also includes: Beverly D'Angelo,Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, and Randy Quaid




It's A Wonderful Life(1946)
The classic Christmas tale that makes everyone cry tears of joy! If you need a synopsis for this one, you are seriously disturbed and need to rent it IMMEDIATELY


The Ref(1994)
This hilarious holiday film you may not be as aware of; It follows main character Gus, a cat burglar, and his experience in taking hostage a family on Christmas Eve that is anything but functional. 
Cast includes: Dennis Leary, Judy Davis, and Kevin Spacey


Love Actually(2003)
A romantic comedy that follows the love lives of several characters during the weeks leading up to Christmas. This film is made up of the perfect British cast, and has a sense of humor that will appeal to many viewers.
Cast includes: Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley,Laura Linney, and Liam Neeson


White Christmas(1954)
I'm sure you've atleast heard the Bing Crosby song, if you haven't seen the film I urge you to this holiday season; not only will you're heart feel light as air, but it will make you love the song even more.
Cast Includes: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney


Fred Claus(2007)
This film centers around Fred Claus, the older brother of Santa Claus himself, and the struggles he goes through in finally accepting the Christmas spirit into his life--VERY funny!
Cast Includes: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Miranda Richardson,Rachael Weisz, Kathy Bates, and Kevin Spacey


*OF COURSE THERE ARE MORE GREAT HOLIDAY MOVIES, BUT THIS SHOULD GIVE A GOOD START TO A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FILM EXPERIENCE*

New Year's Eve

   So I am not in any way bashing the talents of Garry Marshall, but I have to point out a few obvious things about the film that bother me:

   The film is called "New Year's Eve". It is packed with an all-star cast that includes such players as Robert De Niro, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Michelle Pfeiffer. As I mention earlier, it was directed by Garry Marshall. 

    The movie promises a romantic comedy that will include all of the criteria expected of it, and will make us feel the way it should; however, it looks rather familiar.....

    A film centered around the romantic lives of several couples; a holiday known for its whimsical vibe; and a cast that includes Ashton Kutcher and Jessica Biel. Is this a remake of Valentine's Day?

    I mean, COME ON!!! Even the cover-art is similar! I liked Valentine's Day, and I'm sure I'll like New Year's Eve---But I've got to say...I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of originality!

Movies I Recommend For This Halloween Weekend

      It is a tradition in my family every October to watch as many scary movies as we can in the month, especially the week/weekend before Halloween, finally giving the actual day the "Holy Grail" of Halloween movies. Here is a list of our favorites!!!

    

      This, believe it or not, is a SHORT list...good luck fitting them all in this weekend!!!

• The Exorcist: The Version You've never Seen
• The Skeleton Key
• Jeepers Creepers
• Wind Chill
• Bram Stoker's Dracula
• Pan's Labyrinth
• Hocus Pocus
• Walt Disney Cartoon Classics: Halloween Haunts
• The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
• Psycho series (including 1998 remake)
• Cape Fear (1991 version)
• Amityville Horror (both versions!)
• Mothman Prophecies 
• From Dusk Till Dawn
• The Grudge series
• Saw series
• The Entity
• American Psycho
• Summer of Sam
• Signs
• War of the Worlds (2005)
• Misery
• Dreamcatcher
• The Hills Have Eyes
• In the Mouth of Madness
• Spawn
• The Descent
• The Cave
• Nightmare on Elm Street series
• Identity
• Thinner
• The Mist
• Hannibal Lecter Series (Hannibal Rising, Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal)
• The Shining (both versions
• Predator
• The Ring
• The Eye
• The Thing (1982)

       
       For a list of the 50 films declared the scariest ever, go to:
       http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/gallery/top_50_scary_movies/        
 

Remakes

        The current trend in film making seems to be remakes. Although it can be an exciting prospect to see our favorites re-invented on the big screen in a new way, it is also bittersweet. While sometimes it seems preposterous that they would ruin what we already know with a new, less iconic rendition, our curiosities are also peaked. In most cases, to me anyway, it is just sad that the original players of the film are almost being tossed away for a new model. 
       One such film that was recently remade is Footloose. Originally filmed in 1984, the classic included such stars as Kevin Bacon, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, and Chris Penn. The 2011 remake however, only has two worth-while actors-- Dennis Quaid and Andie MacDowell, who I quite frankly think sold out in accepting roles in this attempt to recapture brilliance. 
        Although I don't have many details on it, it has also been announced that Ben Affleck will be doing a new version of the classic Stephen King story The Stand(originally filmed in1994). This movie, was already about as perfect as it could get. Granted, a new version could bring new technologies to make better special effects--But come, on! Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Ruby Dee, Rob Lowe, and Ossie Davis? You don't get better than that! Not to mention the fact that Jamey Sheridan had the PERFECT ass for a devilish figure, and the attitude to go along with it! So I am begging you, Ben Affleck--Don't massacre my favorite King movie!
        On a better note, there is one remake I am looking forward to...Leonardo DiCaprio is currently filming a remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, set to premiere in 2012. In 1974, Robert Redford inexplicably portrayed a charming Jay Gatsby in the film, whose screenplay was written by Francis Ford Coppola, which sets a very high bar. However, I have no doubt in my mind that if the remake has to be done, DiCaprio will be as brilliant as anyone in modern day who's who of acting.