Chicago

Better Than Expected

2002’s “Chicago” helped to bring about the increased popularity in the Musical genre.  Not only did the movie bring in a staggering $170+ million at the box office, but the film ultimately garnered a Best Picture Oscar as well as a Best Supporting Actress award for Catherine Zeta-Jones.  Is “Chicago” all that jazz?

Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) dreams of becoming a star on the Chicago stage.  But when she’s double crossed by her lover, she murders him and it seems she’s traded a future on the stage to for a prison sentence.  Or has she? Roxie finds herself behind bars with singer/dancer Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) who is accused of killing her husband and sister.  Roxie finds out that Velma has paid off "Mama" Morton (Queen Latifah), the prison matron who has helped Velma hire famed lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere).

With the help of her husband Amos (John C. Reilly) who pays the $5,000 fee, Roxie is able to obtain the services of Flynn and seizes the fickle tabloid headlines from Velma.  Roxie and Velma's battle for fame and freedom is soon underway.   Will the two regain their freedom and maintain the spotlight or will fate deal them a different hand? 

“Chicago” has been a Broadway hit for a number of years and I have to admit I wasn’t sure how the movie was going to turn out.  I was pleasantly surprised.  This fast paced adaptation was better than I expected. Each member of the cast shines with his and/or her talent and enthusiasm, especially Catherine Zeta-Jones and Queen Latifah.  Each actress has her own unique background (Catherine Zeta-Jones was at one time a professional dancer while Queen Latifah has had success as a musician.) Both were nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar with Zeta-Jones eventually winning the honor.

Renee Zellweger (Best Actress nominee), Richard Gere and John C. Reilly (Best Supporting Actor nominee) also deserve kudos for their roles.  While Reilly has had some experience in musicals, Zellweger and Gere had to learn dance and singing routines from scratch.

The musical sequences were shot mainly from the perspective of Roxie’s imagination.  Each routine was packed with energy and excitement including one notable number by Zellweger and Gere where Roxie was portrayed as a puppet during Flynn’s ventriloquist act.  Zeta-Jones’ performance of “Cell Block Tango”, Queen Latifah’s song “When You’re Good To Mama” and Reilly’s “Mister Cellophane” were also exceptional.

"Chicago" offers something a little different than most movies out these days. Its blend of music, drama and 1920's lifestyle makes it easy to see why this film was considered the best movie of the year.

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This movie is available for purchase at Amazon.com and Half.com.