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| Starring: Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, John C. Reily, Lucy Liu. Director: Rob Marshall Writer: Bill Condon Studio: Miramax Films Rated: PG-13 (for sexual content and dialouge, violence, and thematic elements) Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes Year: 2002 Whoever said that the movie musical was dead is completely and totally wrong. The genre has made a huge comeback in the past two years. Last year, the Nicole Kidman-starrer Moulin Rouge was a huge hit and is now one of the most beloved films of all time. And this year, I mean we've really made an improvement. I mean, I loved Moulin Rouge, but this movie, the long-awaited film adaptation of Chicago is one of the best musicals of all time. I loved almost every minute of it, from beginning to end. The story follows Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger), a woman living in the Windy City during the '20s, where jazz and liqour were big. There is nothing that Roxie wants more than to be on stage singing and dancing like her idol Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones). She even cheats on her loving husband Amos (John C. Reily) with Fred Kasely (Dominic West), because he promises her fame. But when he backs out on his side of the deal, she shoots and kills him. She is then sent to jail along with Velma, who had killed her husband and sister a few months earlier. Prison is a whole new world, and that is made clear by Mama Morton (Queen Latifah), the matron who will do favors for a little money. She's full of sass, and she's got class. She also tells Roxie about lawyer Billy Flint (Richard Gere), who has never lost a case for a female client. The only problem is that Billy is already handling Velma's case, so it takes some persuasion to get him to go to Roxie. Roxie immediately becomes famous as "the sweetest little jazz-killer ever to hit Chicago," and loves it. She will do anything to keep that fame, even lie about being pregnant after Go-To-Hell Kitty (Lucy Liu) tries to take the spotlight. But the trial is soon, and Roxie will have to see if the judge will buy it or let her hang, making history in the town. The acting in this movie is perfect, as well as the singing. Renee Zellweger is excellent. She is a great singer, and her character is one that you love and you hate at the same time. Catherine Zeta-Jones has a more supporting role, but she is also great and gives some powerhouse song performances. Richard Gere is amusing and funny, and is a vital part of the film's comic side. The same can be said for Queen Latifah, who is also good. John C. Reily, the only honest character in the movie, is sweet and you feel sorry for him. There are even some cameo appearances from Mya and Lucy Liu (her character is in the movie for five minutes max). The whole aspect of the story is great as well, and definetely should be noticed. Overall, this is one of the best, if not the best, films of the year, and should be at the top of everyone's must see list. You will be dancing in your seat, I guarantee. ***** stars Trivia John Travolta, Kevin Spacey, and Hugh Jackman were all considered for the role of Billy Flint. Pop songstress Britney Spears was considered for the small "Go-To-Hell" Kitty role. Madonna and Goldie Hawn were considered for the two lead roles. The movie has been in production for over twenty years. |