[slade]

That's what Leonard Maltin thinks (it's on the DVD cover). The AFI thinks it's the 2nd best movie ever made (behind Citizen Kane). I, however, don't get why. Please help me understand. (It's also #7 on the imdb, btw).

I did enjoy Casablanca and saw many great things about it.

The acting was great, especially many of the supporting characters I thought did a great job. From what I've seen of Bogart, however (and I haven't seen a lot), he seems to be more of a character actor than anything else. I've also seen The Malteese Falcon and he was the same character as he was in this one. He does have a great presence and demands attention when on screen, but, does that level of acting constitute a performance worthy fo being the best film ever made.

The story is great and enjoyable even 60 years later. I'm sure it was especially poignant at the time it was made. Such notions a "a few people aren't worth a hill of beans in this world" would be exactly what people wanted to hear as their loved one's are making the ultimate sacrifice to save the world overseas. This is a huge theme of hte movie--Rick comgin to discover that there is more than just himself that is important, and all those causes he's fought for in the past weren't just a waste of time. It is a great story of redemption for Rick. And, of course all the great one-liners and comedy really make it a magnificent story.

But, again, is it such a great story that it would qualify as the greatest movie ever? I don't think so here either. Other stories told in movies have been much more thought provoking, emotionally moving, and entertaining than this one. Which doesn't take away from this one at all--just doens't make it the greatest.

The soundtrack is another nicely done element of the movie. I loved the way they weaved the popular songs, such as "when time goes by", into the score for the movie. The songs that are sung don't bother me at all (as songs in movies often do) and I found them highly entertaining ("Knock on wood" for example). They also added well to the story telling. But, again, as good as the songs and soundtrack were--were they so great as to be the best? I just didn't think so.

The shadows have been mentioned as beign well done. And, indeed, the entire movie seems very well shot to me. But, the cinematography didn't grab me. The scene set ups were astounding. They were all good, and well made, but not spectacular.

And, finally, if it were the greatest movie ever, why aren't more of you talking about it?

So, please help me see what I'm missing about this great movie.