David Vaughn

Thus far, the movie studios haven't had a lot of success in converting 2D films into 3D in post-production and delivering satisfying results. Fortunately, the 2D-3D conversion here is one of the best I've seen. Separation between objects is exemplary, and the added depth enhances the texture and intimacy of the cinematography. Even more impressive is the DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack that features reference-quality dynamic range, an engaging score from Alan Silvestri, and plenty of window-rattling explosions.

<IMG SRC="/images/archivesart/casablanca.jpg" WIDTH=200 BORDER=0 ALIGN=RIGHT>During World War II, Casablanca served as an exit point for many Europeans seeking to leave escape the gripping hand of the Nazi's. American Eexpatriate American Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), owner of Rick's Caf, isn't what you would call a people person. When Still, when Rick's ex-lover, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), arrives in town with European resistance fighter, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), they seek out Rick's help in obtaining papers to escape Casablanca.

Originally made in 2007, this stinker didn't hit American theaters until 2010, and for good reason. To call the screenplay unoriginal would be an insult to other unoriginal screenplays—yes, it's that bad. Its only saving grace is the cast, which also includes Bradley Cooper and Ian McShane, who along with Zellweger do their best to take the clichéd-laden script and attempt to make it suspenseful.

My kids simply loved the original Cats and Dogs, especially my daughter, but no one in the family was particularly interested in watching this sequel due to bad word of mouth and uninteresting trailers. So when our expectations were extremely low and although it's flawed in numerous ways, there was enough laughter to keep us interested. My wife and I especially loved the references to other movies (any Bond film and Silence of the Lambs). The first act is horrible but if you resist the urge to eject the disc it get better as you get to know the characters.