Rating: 
Summary: Rob Marshall's film dazzles
Review: Film is a harsh mistress. Every imperfection is magnified a million times and, the worst part, permanently recorded for all the world to see. That's why Chicago is a pleasant surprise. Director Rob Marshall in collaboration with the other performers/artists involved with the film, has turned in one of the best movie musicals since the heyday of wunderkind Bob Fosse.Based on the Kander & Ebb musical directed by maverick choregraphy Bob Fosse, Chicago manages to capture Fosse's spirit and make the transition from stage musical to film. That's a rarity since the "death" of the film musical. Rob Marshall manages to translate CHicago from one medium to another because he understands both and doesn't undercut the strengths of either medium; the musical numbers are mobile, well edited and choregraphed and he manages to integrate the mobility of film with the necessary static elements of the original stage play. Although Marshall's choregrapher owes a great debt to Fosse's original work, it's uniquely his own. What's most surprising is that Marshall isn't afraid to tweak and play with the most successful elements from his stage version for the film. Marshall keeps the original story intact. Zellweger and Zeta-Jones play, respectively, wanna-be caberet performer and the real deal who end up in prison after committing murder. Zellweger murders her lover who had promised to help her breakthrough into performing after he reveals he had no connections and was just using her for sex. Zeta-Jones murders her husband and sister (her partner in their musical act)when they are caught in the act --quite literally--of commiting adultry. Thrown together due to their circumstances, Zellweger and Zeta-Jones circle like wary predators unclear on the concept of trust. They both want the same goal but it's clear that they both will do anything to reach their goals. The fact that the media rewards them with sympathetic portrayals in the paper due to their money hungry lawyer (Richard Gere)makes this trip down the dark side even more interesting. Renée Zellweger (playing Roxie Hart) and Catherine Zeta-Jones both sparkle in their film debt as dancers and singers. While neither one has great voices, they are appropriate to the material. In fact, their strong backgrounds as actors add an element that might be missing from technically more gifted singers. Yes, they play amoral characters and, yes, none of the characters really have any socially redeeming values but they represent the very qualities that this cynical but witty look at media manipulation is all about. Richard Gere is especially noteworthy. I'm not surprised that Gere's performance is so strong given his background in Broadway musical performances. What is surprising is that he'd take such a risky (but colorful) role so late in his career. His gold digging lawyer is every bit a manipulator as Roxie Hart(Zellweger). John C. O'Riley is a bit of a surprise. While he's a terrific actor, I never pictured him as a singer. He acquits himself quite well in a memorable musical number. O'Riley plays Roxie's dimwitted husband with a heart of gold. He's the only decent person in the whole film and the one everyone twists around for their own unjust cause. The Kanter & Ebb songs are great. Fred Ebb's lyrics are witty and among the best he had written. Kanter's music is also a highlight. It's clear that Chicago is every bit the equal (although smaller in scope)of their classic Cabaret. If Chicago isn't quite as powerful as Fosse's film version of Cabaret or even All That Jazz, it's due to the smaller scope of the story. It's equally entertaining though. The transfer is terrific with the crisp picture and colors captured vividly in this DVD transfer. The sound transfer is rich although there is some noticable compression in a couple of scenes. The behind the scenes featurette isn't anything special but does provide some insight into the challenges of translating a successful musical from one medium to another. The widescreen version preserves the original aspect ratio. Although I've always been a fan of widescreen, the standard full screen version is nicely done as well. Since this film is about the onscreen dancing and singing, there's some picture loss but it won't be noticable to most folks.
Rating: 
Summary: Definitive Broadway Musical
Review: This masterpiece has everything that defines 'Broadway Musical'. An absolute joy to wallow in. Fantastic music, production, acting, dance, sound, art design, photography, everything. The maturity of the cast is a testament to the care the makers took to reflect the snappy boards of yesteryear when music was half percussive precision, half soaring reeds and snappy brass. And all the artists had 10-20 years under their belts before they had the chance to strut their stuff big time. No need to compare this to other flicks. On the other hand, if you check out All That Jazz (1979 by Fosse who created the original 1970 Chicago stageplay) you will see dance and music reflected and even improved. And if you want to wriggle into major retro, Pajama Game (1954) is where Fosse got his creative start - and you can see the seeds of his genius. Any student of the genre will own this. Stage musical history is defined here.
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!!
Review: I must say that chicago is my favorite movie ever!! i do theatre and sing and dance so i could appreciate it so much! i saw it four times while it was in theatres! i am going to buy it the day it comes out and if it wasnt it a school day i would be there at midnight! if you havent seen this movie as soon as it comes out i suggest you go see it! if you like musicals it is one of the best!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: Having seen and loved CHICAGO and its original cast on Broadway, and knowing what Hollywood has done to excellent musicals in the past (taking songs out, writing new songs for the film, changing the ending as well as the plot, etc., etc.,), I was reluctant to see how they might have mangled this fine show, and I resisted seeing it for a while. I finally was asked to join friends after hearing the good reviews and was WAY MORE than pleasantly surprised! I think this is one of the best screen adaptations I have evere experienced and deserves every prize and praise it has received! I knew that it would have to be "adapted" for the screen, and they did a wonderful job, and the choreography, adapted from Bob Fosse's original, is tops! I could see it again and again.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece!
Review: An amazing, breathtaking, and a thousand more adjectives for this musical. A truly audio and visual experience. In my case I couldn't avoid singing all the songs. And definitely you can't resist Catherine Zeta-Jones' and Renée Zellweger's charm and beauty. Director's Rob Marshall's impecable style caughts you from beginnig to end. And I also can't leave Master's Danny Elfman original and perfect score out of this "review".
"And all that Jazz"
Rating:
Summary: Stop Comparing These Two!
Review: Now, I love both Chicago and Moulin Rouge to bits. They are both masterpieces in their own rights! But, I dont understand why all the people who hated Chicago keep comparing it to Moulin Rouge! Voicing their opinions and saying Moulin Rouge is better. Why do you keep comparing these two movies together? Just because they are musicals made around the same time doesnt mean they are anything alike. They are totally different from each other. You might as well compare West Side Story to Chicago or even the Sound of Music!!! Its absurd, so please stop doing it! Anyway, Chicago is an extraordinary film! Unlike most musicals, yes! But that is part of its charm!
Rating:
Summary: The only women executed in Illinois before 1968.
Review: Here is the truth behind the "first woman executed in Illinois" which is very important to the movie "Chicago", (Renee Zellweger sees her execution). "Chicago" is set in the 1920's, (not 1930's as I previously wrote). According to an internet site discussing regional executions-the Midwest; Elizabeth Reed, a 40-year-old housewife was the first woman executed in Illinois. She was hung on May 23, 1845, (for murder), in Lawerence County. The only other 2 women executed in Illinois were: 22-year-old Angelo Giancola electrocuted for murder, and 38-year-old Marie Porter, electrocuted for conspiracy to murder with Ms. Giancola. Both died on January 24, 1962. The crime took place in St. Clair County. These were the only 3 woman executed in Illinois before 1968. Obviously, "Chicago" is guilty of being historially innaccurate. The film also has a another problem in that any good ballastic expert should have been able to show that the furniture salesman and Renee Zellweger could not have both been reaching for the gun at the time he was shot. I.e., angle of bullet wounds, location of body, entrance and exit wounds. In spite of the fact that "Chicago" is neither correct to the date of the "first woman executed in Illinois", and holes in the claim; 'we were both reaching for the gun'; I still think the movie is well worth seeing. By the way, the "Pianist" receieved the History's Channel's Harry award for the most historical accurate movie of 2002, "Chicago" wasn't even among the other 4 movies being nominated.
Rating:
Summary: A True Classic
Review: This is such a wonderful movie! I can't put into words how much I loved this movie. I like Moulin Rouge alot but I do think the Chicago is so much better. I liked Catherine Zeta Jones before I saw this but now I LOVE her and think she is one of the greatst actress'. She & Queen Latifah really shine together, and its a shame that they took out the number they did together called Class. This is the best movie I have ever seen and cannot wait until the DVD comes out because I am so excited to watch the special features. This movie proves to be a true classic
Rating:
Summary: Religious folk, get over yourselves
Review: This is an awesome musical that is both fun and funny. The songs are incredibly catchy..Oh yes oh yes they both reached for the..VIDEO, lol. You too should reach for this video. the acting is superb. Kudos to Rene and Queen Latifah (she's an awesome big momma). This is a classic so pick it up.
Rating: 
Summary: Most Overrated Film of 2002
Review: I don't understand how this film won the Oscar for Best Picture. I also believe that Moulin Rouge was a much better film. It's set design, costumes, music, choreography, cinematography, and camera movement were amazing and unlike anything I had seen before. Chicago, on the other hand, was extremely dull and the songs were painful to watch. Richard Gere should not be dancing, and Zeta-Jones is not very convincing as a dancer despite her dancing background! Renee Zellweger shines in any role she plays, but not enough to keep my interest throughout the whole movie.
| 
