Movie Review: Chicago

Chicago

The popular Bob Fosse stage musical has finally been brought to the big screen in Chicago, a feat some came to doubt would ever happen due to various complexities in the production. It is likely a testament to the abilities of those who fashioned this adaptation that I can't imagine how the story could be told on a stage...

In the Chicago of the 1920's, jazz is king, crime is queen, and the most popular stars are as likely to be murderers as singers or dancers. Into this big, bad city comes innocent-seeming Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) accompanied by her blindly loving husband and a lust for fame. Roxie will do anything to get a break, including have an affair with a man who says he "knows people". But on the same night Chicago's hottest jazz star, Velma Kelley (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is arrested for murdering her sister and her husband, Roxie is betrayed by her lover. Overcome by her dashed hopes, Roxie lashes out and kills the man. Before you can sing a single chorus of "All That Jazz", Roxie finds herself in the local jail along with Velma and a host of other women accused or convicted of murder.

The prison wards are ruled over by a woman who calls herself Mama (Queen Latifah). She's a self-assured authority figure who shows herself willing to do her charges the occasional favor...for a price. Roxie and Velma both seek her help as some women ready themselves for trial - a lucky few represented by Billy Flynn ( Richard Gere) - and others prepare to see their sentences carried out. And through it all, the incessant media spotlight and a public hungry for every sordid detail are a counterpoint to the plot.

Chicago is a surprising movie for more than just its successful adaptation from stage to screen. Who knew Renée Zellweger could sing? She can, and she can do it well. Richard Gere, who learned to tap dance solely for a wonderful solo scene in Chicago, is also very good. Queen Latifah has a single musical number in the production, but it's a real show stopper and she's terrific. Amidst all of this incredible talent comes Zeta-Jones who, even against a backdrop of amazing performances, stands out. We've known for some time that she's a beautiful woman who can act. But it turns out she can also sing and dance so well that, should she ever decide to leave film-making, she could doubtless be a serious threat on Broadway. The direction is flawless and the editing brilliantly done. The movie is melodramatic, of course, but it's supposed to be. The sets, the costumes, and the choreography are good, too, and you'll be hard-pressed not to find yourself humming one or more of the songs even days after you've seen the movie. I'm not a real musical fan as a general rule, but I freely confess: I loved Chicago!

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Chicago is rated PG-13. While it may be an almost cartoon-like musical, the subject matter is extremely serious, and there are some graphic depictions and descriptions of violence and sex. I'd suggest Chicago for those 15 and older.