CHICAGO

Starring:
Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, Taye Diggs, Christine Baranski and John C. Reilly

Director/Choreographer:
Rob Marshall

Running Time:
113 mins

Out to buy on DVD 4th August

In the 1920s Chicago was under the spell of licker and Jazz but along with that came the city's passion for a great story. Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones), one half of the hottest sibling partnership in show business, had just become the latest tabloid sensation after been arrested for murdering her sister and her husband when she found out they were having an affair. Joining her in prison, housewife Roxie Hart (Zellweger), who was accused of killing her lover, would doing anything to have some of Velma's limelight. Enter top lawyer Billy Flynn (Gere), whose ideal defence was to seek out as much publicity as possible and he was going to make Roxie a star.

Moulin Rouge made musicals viable again. Chicago is the first of many that will hit the silver screen and if the quality remains at this high standard they will be very welcome.

This is a musical in the classical style with song and dance numbers aplenty in a world that revolves around one music style, Jazz. It also has a modern twist, as the performers don't just break out into song like it is just a normal part of life as they do in every other musical, nearly all the song and dance numbers take place in Roxie's imagination, making the film able to get away with a flamboyant, grandiose take on every number.

The performances from the three leads are exceptional. Catherine Zeta-Jones sizzles as Velma Kelly commanding you attention every time she graces the screen. This is probably her best role yet. Renée Zellweger matches her song for song however, which is quite an accomplishment, as he has no formal musical training previous to doing this movie. While she maybe abit too thin (I preferred her Bridget Jones look) she still sexy and sassy enough to pull off the role. Chicago's revelation is Richard Gere however. This is his best role in years, displaying talents that haven't manifested themselves since his early theatre days before he hit Hollywood. The man can sing and boy can he tap dance. There is also good support from John C. Reilly, whose Mr. Cellophane song is extremely touching, and Queen Latifah as a corrupt prison matron.

After all these positives there are a few niggles that let the movie down. The plot is very slight indeed and is just used to quickly get to the next song and dance number. Also choreographer turned director Rob Marshall has photographed the film like you are sat in the audience watching the actual play. The camera is very static for most parts and there is very little invention visually that would differentiate between stage and screen. These are only minor niggles however and do nothing to deter your enjoyment of the movie.

The performances and the outstanding selection of songs (there is one about every five minutes) make Chicago a must for all musical fans and it may even have the power to bring in some converts and all that Jazz.

Audio commentary with director Rob Marshall and screenwriter Bill Condon, Behind the scenes special (28 mins), Deleted 'Class' musical scene, Interactive menu & Scene access


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2003