Casablanca – Binge-worthy
Some love stories transcend time. They capture our imaginations and resonate with us on a deeply personal level, regardless of the era in which they were created. “Casablanca” is a perfect example of this. Set against the backdrop of World War II in wartime Casablanca, American nightclub owner Rick Blaine’s world is turned upside down when his former lover Ilsa arrives with her resistance-leader husband on the run from the Nazis. The characters are captivating, and the audience feels a mix of hope and nostalgia as they watch the film. The chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as Rick and Ilsa is terrific, allowing for the ending to feel timelessly bittersweet. This film entertains not only with its humor and wartime excitement, but also because isn’t the least bit mushy. Rick’s face breaking when he first sees Ilsa in his bar shows the power of action in movies that is slowly slipping away in modern Hollywood. One guarantee is that if you’re craving a great film, you’ll always have “Casablanca!”
Kissing Booth – Skip
“The Kissing Booth” was a part of the onslaught of Netflix rom-coms that came out a few years ago, and is the epitome of a quickly produced Netflix original. With clumsy writing and overused tropes, the movie is a hard pass. Released in 2018 and starring Joey King and Jacob Elordi, the film follows Elle, a high school student, and her awkward but lovable best friend, Lee, as they try to abide by the rules they set for their friendship when they were kids. However, things get complicated when Elle develops a crush on Lee’s older brother, Noah, in clear violation of one of their rules. Elle tries to navigate her feelings while also maintaining her friendship with Lee. The film’s greatest flaws are not only its over-the-top cliches but also its troubling treatment of women and unrealistic depiction of high school. In one scene, Elle strips in front of a crowds of boys, too drunk to realize the consequences, while nobody stops her. Noah’s overprotectiveness of Elle also adds discomfort to the film. Overall, the Kissing Booth is a mockery of rom-com drama.
Four Weddings and a Funeral – Binge-worthy
“Four Weddings and a Funeral” is a cinematic masterpiece. Its witty and dry humor makes the film one of the best British rom-coms. Young, handsome and charismatic, Charles (Hugh Grant) struggles to find love. That changes when, at the wedding of a friend, he meets Carrie (Andie MacDowell), an American who quickly enchants him. However, for Charles, Carrie and the audience, this is only the beginning. The chemistry between the two leads is great. Grant exhibits a constant time management issue: always late, always in the wrong place, unable to express himself. This contrasts with MacDowell, whose lines express her thoughts simply and elegantly, creating a witty comedy where the main leads both have perfect chemistry. “Four Weddings and a Funeral” was among the first major films to feature a gay couple without insensitive cliches, adding depth to the dynamic between Gareth (Simon Callow) and Matthew (John Hannah). So before your next wedding (or funeral), make sure to watch “Four Weddings and a Funeral”.
