This weekend, I was forced to watch “Casablanca” for a class project.

For those of you not familiar it is a classic film, about relationships and politics in un-occupied Africa before the Americans joined World War II.

Now I normally do not watch old movies (with the exception of the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” because Jimmy Stewart is awesome and “The Sound of Music” because the Von Traps totally stuck it to the Nazis) but I was surprised with how much I liked the movie.

I do not have a bias against old black and white movies, but if I am flipping through the channels or searching through the guide on Mediacom I normally do not stop at movies made before 1975.

When I was younger I always remembered being bored when my parents tried to get me to watch a black and white film.

Maybe it was the lack of colors or maybe because it just seemed bland, but it was never my cup of tea.

Since then, I have never had an interest in catching up on classic films which always top critics 100 best films of all-time.

But, after watching “Casablanca” all the way through, I think I am going to have to change that policy.

For what the film lacked in special effects and stylish sets, it made up for with interesting lighting, colorful characters and a great plot. For what it lacked in actors and actresses I recognized, it made up for with great writing, terrific acting and character development.

In many movies today, directors and studios will sacrifice plot and character development for over the top special effects and A-list actors and actresses whose talents go no further than their appearance.

It makes me wonder if Hollywood could make a movie like “Casablanca” today.

A movie with only a few sets which focus on the actors and actresses ability to act rather than bland stereotypes and spotty writing.

Sure indie films and low budget movies have had accomplishments since Hollywood has gone bigger and bigger, but would major studios take a chance on a good movie without the mass commercial appeal just to make a good film.

I am the furthest thing you will find from a movie snob, (my favorite films include “That Thing You Do!,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Team America: World Police”) but as Hollywood continues to make sequels, remakes and movies where Adam Sandler continues to play the same character over and over it seems like they have given up.

Since my revelation that not all black and white movies are terrible, I will now go back and start watching what I have been missing all my life. I think over Christmas break those like myself who have will skipped the classics should pass on “Meet the Fockers” and see what is on AMC.

Dan Cusack is a senior journalism major. Hee can be reached at 581-7942 or at

[email protected].