Chicago (2002)

If you hate musicals, you'll probably hate this. If you love musicals, you'll probably love this. For the other 3 people in the world, I suppose it depends on whether or not you like to watch beautiful women dance around in skimpy outfits. It has great eye-candy, outstanding music, a fantastic cast AND it's no gerbil up your keister but it'll tickle you like a feather boa. This is a very good movie and a must see for fans of musicals. I can watch this every 3 years or so.

I so enjoyed seeing Chicago 14-15 (?) years back and I watched it again this morning. What I took away from the silver screen long ago and what repeated itself on the flat-screen this morning was how achingly beautiful Renée Zellweger was in the film.Catherine Zeta-Jones was certainly lovely but Zellweger - oh, my - had those long and lovely legs and those slender yet toned arms. For me, this was the finest performance of her career. Genuine proof of her abilities to act, sing and dance - a rare combination these days.Ah! I'll keep these images in my mind for a while, now. Just recalling her many talents on display in Chicago.

I watch too many musicals for my own good.. Moving on:This is honestly one of the most entertaining movies I've ever seen. The songs are memorable and each of them unique in its own way. Sure, you can't sympathize with any of the characters apart from Amos, but the point of this movie isn't about rooting for a hero. It brings forward the ugly reality and deceit of show business: nothing is what it seems. The only way to truly enjoy it is through suspension of disbelief and just watching it for pure entertainment, not awaiting any moral lessons (there are none).All of the acting was brilliant, even the minor characters. Richard Gere as usual is snubbed by the Academy Awards, but I thought he really delivered in his role as the corrupt yet charming lawyer. Catherine Zeta Jones is beyond incredible, but I wouldn't say she stole the show because really everyone shined in their respective roles.By the way, this movie made me want to seriously consider taking dancing lessons. To call my dancing horrifying is an understatement. It's more like that bug that you know is harmless, but it's so unpleasant to look at that you just can't help but feel you want to kill it. Overall, a very exciting and intriguing film. Just don't take it too seriously. :)

I saw Chicago both on Broadway in 2001 and earlier in Melbourne, Australia, so I know and love this musical well. This movie is blessed with inheriting the outstanding, impeccably arranged songs by Kander and Ebb, the luscious, sexy choreography by Bob Fosse, and above all, the searing satire of the original writer, Maurine Dallas Watkins. The latter was a court reporter so disgusted with the simpering, self-serving antics of female murderers In trials in the 1920s that she wrote a play about them. She even includes a sycophantic reporter character, Mary Sunshine, in a savage mockery of weak journalists. Rob Marshall's direction of the film is suitably snappy and witty. The acting is great. I think this is Richard Gere's best film - he conveys the faux concern, sleaze and underlying ruthlessness of lawyer Billy Flynn beautifully, and he nails two of the musical's best numbers - All I Care About and Razzle Dazzle, in charismatic style. Renee Zellweger is witty and appealing as the outwardly sweet but morally bankrupt killer Roxy Hart. It's hard to believe Zellweger was inexperienced in musicals. Catherine Zeta Jones is great as the more wily but increasingly desperate Velma Kelly, accused of killing her husband and her sister. Special mention to Lucy Liu in a smart cameo as the glamorous new killer who takes the media spotlight away from Velma and Roxy. All in all, this movie is a superb complement to the stage version.