Rating: Summary: This was definitely NOT the bst picture of 2003 Review: I rented the movie to see if I wanted to buy it. So far I have not bought it. I will wait for a double dvd reissue in the future with more extras. I watched all of the extras on this dvd including the commentaries. I took me several tries to get through this movie. I kept falling asleep even while watching it in the daytime. I didn't care that much about it at all. Boring comes to mind for my one-word review. At least after watching the commentary, I "understood" a little more of what they were trying to do. Now don't get me wrong, I like musicals. I own Caberet, Camelot, Moulin Rouge [much better than this one], The Sound of Music, The box set of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals and many more.My goal is to buy all of the Best Picture movies from the start in 1927 to the present. This one makes it hard to do that. I want all of the best director, actors and actresses movies to collect also. I like Richard Gere's character and the performances of Renee and Queen Latifa. I still don't understand how they picked this one as best picture. I own Seabiscuit and it is 100 times better and should have won.
Rating: Summary: Noir Spoof Review: Its bad, i loved the cast and thought it'd be great but the director must've been high when he made this piece of crap. Same goes for the academy when they gave an oscar to both the cast and the movie. Still thought that Seabiscuit should've won. 2.5/10.
Rating: Summary: Typical Hollywood story Review: Chicago was a decent movie with some good music. The story is a little simplistic and nothing that hasn't been done before, but the fact that this is a "modern" musical makes the film somewhat unique. The acting is just "okay", and there are some parts where the lip-syncing is pretty obvious--a big distraction. The music was quite good; however. Where Chicago stumbles a bit is in the uninteresting, simplistic story line. This is almost redeemed by wrapping the story in it's musical elements, but not quite. Another problem is that the story, once again, in the modern Hollywood way, glorifies a couple of murders and attempts to turn them into the "good guys". This is a common Hollywood formula that is pretty tired at this point and illustrates why movies such as "Sea Biscuit" are so much better. Remove the musical elements of Chicago and you end up with a boring, predictable, 8th grade level story-line.
Rating: Summary: Love IT... Review: Chicago is as good as Mulan Rouge but even better. The performances on that movie are amazing. Everyone seems to know what they are doing and enjoy doing it. Richard, Queen Latifah, Renee and Catherine, and the rest of the cast are wonderful. This movie is a MUST HAVE.
Rating: Summary: And all that Jaaaaaaazzzz! Review: Finally the big budget movie of the stage show that will forever be popular. Richard, Renee, and Catherine really are singing and dancing out their parts. This movie should have received more gongs that it did. Alas Hollywood has been pre-occupied by the LTOR trilogy. The sound track is just as good. I only wish the DVD had more information than it does but other than that, well done!
Rating: Summary: Brash Bravado Review: What can I say... This is an over-the-top piece of cinema that is so much fun to watch! Very well cast and directed. The sets, lighting, camera work, and editing are all top notch and keep the story moving at a breakneck pace, in a very entertaining fashion. What a great way to bring the musical back to the forefront!
Rating: Summary: In Some Ways, Better than the Stage Show Review: Having seen the musical Chicago on Broadway in NYC, I was left slightly bewildered, and rather disappointed - the music was wonderful, but the plot was convoluted, and the sets and costumes - well, lack thereof, really - left much to be desired. If only, I thought, it were restaged with color, proper sequencing, and more enthusiasm...well, that's just what Sam Mendes has done, with this great film version. With color, amazing musical numbers, fabulous costuming, and finally a real explanation of what's happening (via sensible segues between reality and fantasy), this film captures the real spirit, cynicism and verve of Fosse's great creation. There may be flaws in the casting (let's face it - Zellweger's squinchy little expressions get a bit cloying after a time), and maybe it seems at times a bit faddish in its approach, but overall it's a real joy to watch. The dance sequences are filmed beautifully, and the supporting actors and dancers are magnificent. Perhaps too much so - next to the muscular, seethingly sexual performances of the ladies in "Cell Block Tango", Catherine Zeta-Jones seems a touch frumpy, but no biggie. And the musical performances are a delight - even if Richard Gere's "All I Care About" is not quite up to snuff. Don't be surprised if you find yourself tapping your toes over and over. I'd recommend this DVD for any lover of film musicals - it's destined to become a modern-day classic. I find myself watching it over and over, and can't see that trend coming to an end.
Rating: Summary: All that Jazz and More Review: I am so happy that musicals have made it back to the Hollywood spotlight. Chicago is a new musical classic from the 21st Century. The movie seems old even as if it was made in the golden years of MGM or Warner Brothers. The acting was superb, the music was great, and the songs were addictive. It is a very fast paced, sexy, vibrant outburst of crime and jazz in the 20s. Renee Zellweger played the sweet innocent Roxie Hart. Richard Gere plays another millionare, but this time he is a singing one. My favorite acting from the film came from Queen Latifa, who played Mamma Morton, and Catherine Zeta- Jones who played the gruff and bold Velma Kelly. All around the movie was awesomely put together. It all blended into a fantastic film. One of the best musicals ever.
Rating: Summary: Overhyped! Review: This was not the enjoyable movie it was cracked up to be. There was no one to cheer for; no true hero. The music sucked.
Rating: Summary: 10 stars!!! Review: What a fabulous movie!! Renee and Katherine ROCK in this movie--both are so talented. The story centers around Renee's Roxy character who murders her "boyfriend" and is arrested and goes to a woman's jail, run by none other than Queen Latifa, who all the girls call momma. There Roxy meets her idol Velma Kelly who is in for killer her husband and sister--her sister is also her partner in a song and dance act. In comes Richard Gere the attorney who can get the most guilty person off. All four of these actors do an amazing job of singing and dancing in this movie. The stage and special effects are so Broadway and so well pulled off. The music is fabulous. And the story keeps your attention. HIGHLY recommend this movie. Even my husband, who hates musicals, enjoyed watching this (though Katherine Zeta-Jones may have had a bit to do with that!)
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