Here's Looking at You, Kid

It's one of the most famous lines from the classic movie Casablanca. Or at least the most famous line that people get right. "Play it again, Sam" was never uttered in the movie. But I digress. I don't know of any movie that has more classic lines than Casablanca. Most of which come in the last 10 minutes as Rick tells Ilsa that she needs to go with her husband.

My sister introduced me to Casablanca when I was in high school and I have loved the movie ever since. It's one of the first black and white films I ever owned. It's a story I rarely get tired of watching. The odd part is that the love story is wonderful but it's not my favorite part of the movie. This is film filled with characters, unique personalities who steal a couple scenes and are never seen again. It's a movie that seems alive beyond what the camera lens is focused on. Simpering Peter Lorre, Louis the police chief, Sam with the magical voice, and a mix of other noble characters and scoundrels. Rick and Ilsa is a sweet story, but it's the side characters that draw me to the film.

Last night I got to see the movie on the big screen. One of our local art theaters screened it for the whole week and my mom and aunt suggested that we go. Even though I hate the theaters I couldn't pass up the chance to see that famous cafe on the big screen. As an audience, we laughed at the subtle wonderful jokes. I nearly cheered at the playing of the Marseilles. And I lost myself in a movie I've seen well over two dozen times. It was magic.

Movie Theaters and for the love of all things Guillermo

I will be the first to tell you that I have a deep and well-known hatred for movie theaters. I have never enjoyed the experience of shelling out 20 buck to sit in a darkened theater surrounded by people who obviously could not care less what they are here to see. Most people say I'm too sensitive but I can't stand people talking through a movie, checking their cell phone constantly, or even worse, answering it. I've sat in theaters with all three. We won't even talk about an attempt I made with Jeff to see Shrek 2 where sixty percent of the audience were throwing candy, talking, and running up and down the aisles. Jeff and I left after 30 minutes. 

It is well known that I go to see one movie a year in the theaters. This past year it was Iron Man. Now I know that some of you out there will yell at me for not seeing the Dark Knight in the theaters. I was a Heath Ledger fan and would have loved to see him in what they are calling his finest performance. Plus I really enjoy the Batman series, particularly the dark turn it has taken in the last two movies. But even if I hadn't seen Iron Man in the theaters (which was worth it) I wouldn't be rushing out to Batman. My second choice would have been Hellboy 2. 

I just bought the first Hellboy movie at Target this evening and came home and immediately watched it. I love this film. It's campy and fun and humorous and beautiful. I didn't even see that one in the theaters. But I did run out to see Guillermo del Toro's next film Pan's Labyrinth in the theaters. I saw it at a small theater and absolutely fell in love with this film. If you haven't seen it you must. If you enjoy fantasy, particularly dark fantasy, this movie is for you. The movie jumps between these fantastical creatures and scenes, and the dark reality that this young girl is living through. Imagine Alice In Wonderland if only England was a terrible brutal world and Alice had to jump back and forth. 

After seeing both Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth I knew that I had to see Hellboy 2.  Just like I can't wait to see what he is currently doing with The Hobbit. I just couldn't bring myself to go to the movies again. It will be a rental as soon as it comes out. Thank god for Blockbuster home delivery. I have always been a fantasy fan but the images that this man creates are just breathtaking. Wild and dark they remind you of the nightmares you have had or perhaps some of your best dreams. So for the love of all that is Guillermo, get out there and rent Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth. Just don't check out Hellboy 2 yet. I want there to be enough copies to see it right when it comes out.