Which is better for a beginner, Digital or Film?

So I want to start taking pictures as a hobby, but good pictures. I'm a beginner. A few things I would like to be able to do.

Focus in and out, meaning blur the background, focus on a spec and be able to see this in the picture.
Black and White
Shadow

I realize digital is the new and great thing, but I feel somewhat drawn to film. The only issue I see is that I will not be able to check the shot until the film is developed. Or am I missing something? Is there a film camera that I can check the shot before the film is processed? I know I would be able to see the shot immediately with digital.

SLR, ABC, DEF What do these all mean and where the heck do I start? I would like to purchase either a Canon or Nikon.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Added (1). Ps. Financially I can drop 100-150 for this. Thanks

Added (2). @dieterzakas

I do not know how to select your answer as best, but Thank you for your advice. I was just reading about the debate film vs digital. It seems that they both have good and bad points, but overall your right. Film will teach me and the resolution is way better.

Thanks so much. I think my head is going to explode with all the information out there.

Look at it this way

Film cost a whole lot more!

I would recommend film because its finite nature will force you to learn. Consider these points:

(1) Because you are limited to a maximum of 36 frames per roll of 35mm film, you must pay attention to what you're doing for each shot: composition, lighting, exposure settings, etc.

(2) Because film lacks the immediacy of digital, you must also learn patience.

When it comes to learning photography, I recommend being critical of the resultant images EVERY time they come out bad. Ask yourself what went wrong, and what you need to do to avoid repeating that in the future. By taking this approach, I've improved my own photography of the 30-plus years I've been in the hobby.

The type of camera you seek, based on some of the criteria in your question, is an SLR. It stands for "single lens reflex," which is a type of camera. In a nustshell, a mirror in the body reflects the image into the viewfinder, where its pentaprism reorients the image so it appears right-side up. When you press the shutter release button, the mirror flips up out of the way as the shutter opens to let the light strike the film.

In one sense, this camera type lets you see the image before the shot is takenn, but obviously NOT before it's processed.

Being a Nikon user, I obviously can't speak to Canon's own fine cameras, but I can recommend the Nikon FM or FM2; I have the latter, and enjoy it immensely. As for sourcing one, there are a couple of options:

(1) eBay, though you might end up spending more than you anticipate;

(2) Craigslist: You'll have an opportunity to handle the camera itself before buying.

(3) Local camera shows: same as with Craigslist, but these occur only at specified times, whether monthly, bimonthly, etc.

(4) Camera stores' used departments, such as B&H and Adorama

In all cases, you'll want to look at "kits," which are the body and a lens, rather than "body only."

In the long run film is cheaper. With digital you have to upgrade all the time. Don't listen to digital dummies!