Category Archives: Critics Classics

Critics Classics, Film essays, Film reviews

Select Pix Critics Classics at Classic Cinemas Elk Grove: Clue, The Karate kid, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day

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Critics Classics is presented by the Chicago Film Critics Association and takes place the first Wednesday of the month throughout the year. The screenings take place at Classic Cinemas in Elk Grove Village where they screen a variety of classics during matinees and evening screenings. After the evening screenings, the cinematic excitement is elevated thanksto a discussion led by a critic from the Chicago Film Critics Association. I have been fortunate my schedule has allowed me to attend the last three Critics Classics Screenings. Each movie experience followed by the discussion, has been cinematically enticing.

The first recent screening was the 1985 classic Clue. This mystery has humor, and the classic attitude of the characterizations are always witty and joyful. Watching this movie again was a hilarious and thought-provoking experience. In true murder mystery style, there are many pieces to the puzzle. The most invigorating part, however, was learning more from the discussion with the critics. I learned that there were many different endings to the movie. In fact, some formats of the film had different endings, and some never made changes. The theory of the changes in Clue made the film extremely entertaining and provided an enjoyable revisit to my early era of cinematic appreciation.

The second experience was the 1984 classic, The Karate Kid. For fans who love the series Cobra Kai, this movie offered a real treat. Revisiting the film made me realize why Cobra Kai followed diverse approaches in its series. What was even more interesting to me was learning from the discussion about the variety of approaches used in casting for the film. I also valued learning about the cultural side to discipline explored in the movie. Ultimately, the fact that this film experience reminds its young audience to find a positive inspiration in order to help overcome their struggles impacted me most.

The third (and the most crowded and nostalgic) was the 1991 classic, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This movie made me feel I was experiencing something new for the very first time. I forgot about how this sequel to the franchise took Terminator to a whole new level. The crowd was really into the movie, and everyone knew the quotes which made it a true jam for Terminator fans. The discussion on the film’s budget, James Cameron’s directing techniques, and the in-depth use of technology were all captivating. Terminator 2: Judgment Day was a rollercoaster ride for cinema enthusiasts and critics like me.

The Select Pix Critics Classics at Elk Grove is a monthly experience that I do my best to attend. It keeps me in me in my cinematic mindset and never disappoints. If it’s a night where I do not have a press screening it is always a nice escape. I highly recommend other film lovers check their calendars and try to attend. There are many more classic events with discussions ahead. Hope to see you there!

Critics Classics, Film essays, Film reviews

Critics Classics: Casablanca 80th Anniversary Review

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The 1942 Michael Curtiz classic Casablanca is one of the most influential and compelling classics in the history of cinema. I have watched Casablanca in various formats over the years. The first was VHS, the second was DVD, the third was laser disc, the fourth was Blu-ray, and my fifth time was on the big screen. Although I enjoyed all the different formats, seeing this amazing filmon the big screen is simply the best. Casablanca immerses its audience in cinema appreciation mode to the fullest.

To recap the plot of Casablanca, the film takes place in Casablanca, Morocco in the WWII era. Humphrey Bogart is Rick Blaine, a café owner, an ex-patriot with drinking problems and emotional issues. Rick’s Café starts to receive letters regarding refugees with instructions for how to escape during the uncharted times depicted in the film. The other struggle in Rick’s life is his former lover, Ilsa, played by Ingrid Bergman. Her husband is Victor Laszlo, and he is played by Paul Henreid. In the film, Rick finds himself in a position where he needs to make hard choices involving his café and Ilsa that may have damaging consequences. Casablanca is all about connection, and what one man will do for those he truly loves. Rick loves Ilsa, but does he want to take risks for her?

With the relationship between Ilsa and Rick revisited in the movie, Casablanca’s directing, and writing are still inspiring. Some would label the film “noir.” The story, however, is a drama. The plot involves Rick finally coming to a decision about his café and Ilsa with the politics of WWII playing out around him. There are difficult choices for Rick, but it is hard to make the correct ones.

Bogart’s performance is exceptional, and it continues with Ilsa throughout the film’s journey of love and danger. Powerful elements are captured in the cinematography and the lighting. The dialogue is also enticing as thoughts, connection, and confusion are expressed. As one of the most famous quotes from Bogart goes, “Here’s looking at you, kid,” that moment continues to be invigorating and heartfelt. Bogart’s performance is the hero of Casablanca’s many years of brilliance and appreciation.

The nostalgia of Casablanca still lives on. Many decades later, it is still a masterpiece. The love between Rick and Ilsa is a gem.  Many aspects of this classic will continue to be appreciated through the years which is why I plan to revisit it in the future and savor even more nuances as I view this unforgettable film. Four stars.