Rating: 
Summary: A Classic Movie Everyone Should See
Review: There is nothing more enjoyable than a good musical that isn't as eccentric as Moulin Rouge or as tacky and/or cheesy as some of the older musical movies (i.e. The Sound of Music, The King and I). I find that this movie is the perfect mix of city life with glamour and beauty. The film is a powerhouse, rightfully deserving its Best Picture Oscar.The synopsis is as follows: Roxy Heart (Renee Zellweger) kills a man and is sent to jail. She meets her idol performer Velma Kelly (Acadamy Award Winner Caterine Zeta-Jones) who killed her husband and sister. It follows her quest to become free from jail and find a life in performing. It also stars Richard Gere (Billy Flyn), Queen Latifah (Matron Momma Morton), and John C. Reilly (Amos Heart). The performonces alone made this movie. Catherine Zeta-Jones definately deserved her Oscar for her role as a feisty, independent, not to mention dangerous, performer. I felt that Queen Latifah should not have been nominated. Her performance was great, but not as good as who would have been nominated in place of her (Michelle Pheiffer as Ingrid Magnussen in "White Oleander"). John C. Reilly definately deserved his nomination. He is a natural and I would like to see him win for a leading or supporting role in the future. The bottom line is that although there are no touching or "moving" moments, it sure entertains and earns its standing as a classic film. (I give it an A+ and it is number 3 on my Top Ten Movie List).
Rating:
Summary: Dazzling!
Review: The only reason I aw this movie was because my friends and I went to the movies to see Bringing Down the House and it was sold out. So we went to see Chicago. And I don't regret making that decision! I really enjoyed this movie with it's many dance numbers, outstanding outifts, and great dialogue. There were quite a few funnymoments, most of them very memmorable. The story follows a countrygirl named Roxie Hart, Renee Zellweger, who wants to make it big in 1920s Chicago. The film opens with Roxie at a club watching a show by the notorious Velma Kelly, Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has just murdered her sister and husband. Roxie, a married woman, follows her lover to her apartment where she discovers he has lied to her (he promised to get her on the stage) and shoots him in fury. When her husband and the cops come to the apartment, Roxie tries to act as if she did not commit the murder but is discovered and taken to prison. In prison she meets many women inmates in the "Cell Block Tango", one of the best scenes in the movie I think with the many dance movements, the great song, and the scenery and costumes. When Roxie stumbles upon Velma Kelly, she discovers that the warden of the jail, Mother Morton, played by Queen Latifah (my personal favorite character who was also the funniest I think), is tipping Velma for one of th best lawyers in Chicago. Roxie also happens to get in on the act and gets that lawyer, Billy Flynn, played by Richard Gere, on her case also. And so begins the story of Velma and Kelly's feud to get not only the attention of the lawyer but also to get the city of Chicagos' sympathy and attention in their murder cases. I personally liked this movie and found it very entertaining, very fun, and very theatrical. I don't usually like musicals, save for many West Side Story and a few others, but this movie was one of my favorite movies of 2002, if not my favorite. I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: TOTAL ENTERTAINMENT!
Review: I smiled from beginning to end - how exciting to see stars who stretched beyond their norm and displayed such great talent: Renee Z. was great as Roxie, Catherine Zeta Jones WAS Velma Kelly, I'd never seen Queen Latifah before and she was perfect as Mama Morton, Richard Gere blew me away with his singing ... and dancing (I knew he had a musical background but was so impressed with his new venue) - and I can't leave out John C. Reilly (esp. after seeing him in Gangs of New York as a totally different character). What a range these actors have! I have the cd and my grandchildren know the words to the songs (even if they don't know what they mean! - except for "Class" which I skip when they're with me). I am 65 years old and I've seen every musical made - many times - and loved them all ... for different reasons. But, this classy show I've seen five times and can't wait for the dvd.
Rating: 
Summary: Killer...
Review: I'm getting sick and tired of critics complaining that since "Chicago" vixens Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly "don't have one redeemable quality," this film should be considered bad. I'm also sick of the other side - critics who rave that Renee Zellweger's performance was right on key. I'm here to tell you the truth: they're all wrong.
"Chicago," gets an A+ all around: visually appealing,[even guys will have to appreciate the scantily clad dancers that pout behind prison bars and twirl around Richard Gere as he belts out tune after tune] great performances [Catherine Zeta-Jones was cheated at the Golden Globes, but winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar certainly made up for it] and a killer sound track. I realize musicals aren't for everyone, but "Chicago" offers a wonderful, refreshing plot that actually has depth - at least more than the slew of poorly produced, exhaustingly predictable 'romantic comedies' that have been made the past five years.
Who cares if Roxie Hart cheated on her husband with their furniture salesman, only to shoot him dead and try to cover it up? Does it really matter that Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly will lie, cheat and steal to win back the spotlight?And why shouldn't Richard Gere be praised as the too-slick Billy Flynn who'll take any case as long as the price is right? "Chicago" is so beautifully crafted and witty that these characters actually become loved for BEING so unlovable!
The only fly in the ointment is Renee Zellweger. I don't think she's as horrible as the rare critic makes her out to be, but I have to admit that perhaps a different actress could have taken on the lead role. Roxie Hart is obviously written as not ruthless, but just dying to be in the limelight. This desire for fame-mixed in with equal parts disappointment and rage upon discovering that Fred Casely [the guy she's been ''screwin' around with''] doesn't have the connections to show biz he said he had, - leads her down the path of corruption. She'll make her own way into stardom, and it doesn't matter if she has to walk all over her rival Velma Kelly or fake a pregnancy to do it! She suddenly connects with her inner seductress, and more importantly, her inner con artist. The slightly naughty young vixen has turned into a smoldering starlet by the story's end.
However, by the MOVIE'S end, this isn't quite true. Zellweger does not show the transformation needed to take her performance from good to great. Its not that she's not a splendid actress - watch "Bridget Jones' Diary" and "Jerry McGuire" certainly prove she is. Its just that her interpretation is untraditional, and doesn't work as well as the way past actresses have played her on stage. Her Roxie actually feels like a girl who isn't all that bad - practically a character we can hug, if she was taken away from the song and dance. It doesn't do poorly on screen, but one wonders what would have happened had Roxie's character been given more of a wicked demeanor.
Zellweger's singing and dancing stand fine on their own, but are brought down to size by any scene including the sultry, multitalented Catherine Zeta-Jones, who arguably should have been nominated in the "Best Actress" category along with Renee.
And lastly, NO, this isn't "Moulin Rouge." The heart-wrenching Nicole Kidman film may have lovely song and dance numbers, but is altogether a different story from that of the sometimes sleazy, but highly enjoyable "Chicago." But maybe that's why "Moulin Rouge" didn't have quite the monumental success as "Chicago" did, though God knows it certainly deserved it. Obviously, society can only accept a musical if its paired with adulterous affairs and jailed vixens, rather than a truly beautiful tale of lovers ripped apart.
But that's a different story...
Rating: 
Summary: Razzle dazzle . . . and not much else
Review: I saw "Chicago" on stage a few years ago and I can say this movie is basically the stage show on camera minus the live show's energy. The actors clearly had a blast making this movie. Unfortunately that doesn't make a good movie. Renee Zelweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones are both great singers, although Zeta-Jones is clearly more talented in both singing and dancing. Richard Gere's singing voice is nearly unlistenable in my opinion. It was all I could do not to leave the theatre when I first heard it. The biggest problem with this film is the story. It was never the best Broadway musical out there; the songs are forgettable and the story is filled with unlikable characters that the audience doesn't care about. The comparisons to "Moulin Rouge" are inevitable, but as far as a movie that features a memorable story and songs, it is clearly superior to "Chicago". "Moulin Rouge" opened the doors for musicals in 2001 and was basically ignored by the Academy. "Chicago" rolls out a year later and sweeps the Oscars. "Moulin Rouge" is definitely the more inventive of the two (and in my opinion, the better). Best picture of the year? Not hardly.
Rating:
Summary: The Best-- Ben N. At The Movies
Review: This is the best film of the year period........ Renne Zellwinger does her part extremely well as for the other actors give out top notch performances all in all see this film it is fun and has a beutiful plot of musical classics
Rating:
Summary: A feast for the senses!
Review: Be sure to strap yourself as you enter the sexy, wild world of "Chicago," the 2003 Academy Award winner for Best Picture. The story centers around a young wannabe starlet named Roxie Hart (played by Renee Zellweger). She has an affair with a man who promises her a ticket to stardom. When she finds out he was dishonest with her, she shoots him out of rage. She soon lands in jail with the prospect of being executed. Enter Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), a glory-hungry lawyer who has never rendered a guilty verdict. He helps reshape Roxie's image and starts her on the path she's always dreamed of: one to public adoration and popularity. Complicating things is Velma Kelly, another dancing murderess played deliciously by Catherine Zeta-Jones. The two, both represented by Billy, compete for his attention and the biggest stories in the papers. What follows is a circus of greed, sexuality, sensationalism, and secrets, all coupled with bright lights, powerful songs, and bold dance numbers. "Chicago" offers us all a peek into this secret world of the jazzy but corrupt roaring 20's, much like Baz Luhrman's "Moulin Rouge" clued us in on turn-of-the-century Paris. Much in the style of Luhrman, director Rob Marshall employs a very quick camera style. This adds an element of dizziness as the characters witness their world being turned upside down. It makes the dance numbers appear more sharp and more in-your-face. Only one word can describe the cast: FLAWLESS! Zellweger perfectly captures the very naive quality of every young girl who wants to be an actress or a singer. Zeta-Jones, an incredible singer and dancer, lights up every stage she's on and every scene she's in. Gere is surprising as slimy Billy Flynn, delivering vibrant songs and outrageous courtroom dramatics. Queen Latifah was fantastic as Mama Morton. Her solo was one of the spiciest moments in the film! Finally, there is John C. Reilly as Roxie's dim-witted but faithful husband Amos. He is the most honest and good-natured character in the whole film. The direction, production, costumes, set design, and editing were all brilliant. For once, I actually agree with the Academy: this movie was the best of last year. Simply put, it is cinematic perfection.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely worth seeing
Review: In response to the moral rant of some recent reviewers, I would suggest watching it again with an eye for satire and irony. This movie is clearly not promoting murder and other immoral behaviors. It is a fun poke at the extremes to which some people will go for their five minutes of fame. Richard Gere's character and the courtroom scene are hilarious parodies of the American legal system. As for the movie itself, I think it suffers from the "My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding" syndrome--a good movie that could not possibly live up to the enormous hype. Definitely worth seeing, though.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, but not the best
Review: Ok, so I went to see Chicago with the highest expectations. Everyone was telling me that it was the best musical and that it was better than Moulin Rouge (which I love) so I was expecting something mind boggling. Sorry to say, the movie didn't live up to my expectations. Maybe it was because I had such BIG expectations. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't that I didn't enjoy it. I thought it was entertaining and I simply LOVED the music, in fact I bought the soundtrack. I enjoyed the humor and satire and it was a feel good movie. But I had a lot of problems with the movie and I didn't think that it was the best movie of the year. I liked Zeta-Jones. Queen Latifah was hilarious and I love John C. Reilly. (HAve you noticed that he plays the exact same role in the Hours, Chicago and The Good Girl? Nice, kind, husband with suffering/unfulfilled wives?) I personally do not like Richard Gere and am thus prejudiced (At leat I admit it). He dances rather well (specially that one tap scene during the trial), but i just couldn't stand his voice. There was just something about it that sounded so childish. His voice didn't seem matured or developed. Catherine Zeta-Jones, though, can really dish it out. I love her voice. But Renee Zellweger? She just couldn't compete with Zeta-Jones. Zeta-Jones has this really rich, gorgeous voice and she just commands those dance numbers. Zellweger sounded like a high-pitched screech owl in comparison. Ok, so maybe I'm being a little harsh on Zellweger, but seriously, if your going to make a musical, give the lead to an actress that actually can sing or has experience for God's sake! She's really the reason why I couldn't enjoy this film. And it just seemed so calculated. Chicago certainly "razzle dazzles" us with all the visual elements of Moulin Rouge (the bright lights and ostentatious, over-the-top costumes) and showcases a very popular cast, but the thing is, Chicago the movie is more about SHOW than SUBSTANCE. Why else would they hire Zellweger when they could probably have found a better qualified actress to play Roxie? Because Zellweger is a big name actress, fresh from her Oscar nomination in Bridgit Jones. Why Why else is Lucy Liu in this film for all of 2 minutes? Mya for like 5? Because this movie was all SHOW. It was as if the studio execs said "Hmm....in order to make our movie as popular as possible, let's gather up every big named actor we can think of...forget TALENT"
I guess what I have to say is really best described by Billy Flynn, "Give 'em the old razzle dazzle/Razzle Dazzle 'em/Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate/Give 'em the old hocus pocus
Bead and feather 'em/How can they see with sequins in their eyes?
...Long as you keep 'em way off balance/How can they spot you got no talents?/Razzle dazzle 'em/And they'll make you a star!" So, yes, I was entertained by all the "razzle" and "dazzle". I though Zeta-Jones was excellent. I liked the songs for the most part, yet I still came home dissapointed because, once again, it was all about show instead of substance.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Search for Soul, Let Yourself Go!
Review: The first musical to win the Best Picture Oscar after 34 years, this 2002 Rob Marshall's adaptation of a 1975 Broadway musical lacks the warmth and romance of the 2001 Baz Luhrmann's hit "Moulin Rouge", but certainly rivals its daring predecessor in glamour. It's sumptuous to look at and thoroughly glorious as far as film-making is concerned. However, an emphatic viewer has a hard time to identify with any of its characters. Yep, probably no woman would like to find herself in a situation Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones found themselves in here -- murderesses. Maybe later on, when Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones) and Roxie Hart (Zellweger) are helped by a slick lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere) and insatiable press to become celebrities of their own. Much like a fairy-tale for grownups, this film does not worry about morals or profound lessons on humanity. Rather, it offers a real show, based on the roaring 1920's with all its sex and prohibition. "Chicago"'s final effect on viewer is enhanced by great acting, singing and dancing performances from the leading three actors (Zeta-Jones won Oscar for her supporting role), sophisticated choreography and perfect editing, often making for an all-out exhilarating impact.
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