Chicago (2002)

Why so much hype?

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

I have seen it over 10 times here& it just never gets boring- Fosse did one of his best works here and you don't get the choreography with this movie- not enough room to say what needs to be said of this now classic musical

I watch too many musicals for my own good.. Moving on:This is honestly one of the most entertaining movies I've ever seen. The songs are memorable and each of them unique in its own way. Sure, you can't sympathize with any of the characters apart from Amos, but the point of this movie isn't about rooting for a hero. It brings forward the ugly reality and deceit of show business: nothing is what it seems. The only way to truly enjoy it is through suspension of disbelief and just watching it for pure entertainment, not awaiting any moral lessons (there are none).All of the acting was brilliant, even the minor characters. Richard Gere as usual is snubbed by the Academy Awards, but I thought he really delivered in his role as the corrupt yet charming lawyer. Catherine Zeta Jones is beyond incredible, but I wouldn't say she stole the show because really everyone shined in their respective roles.By the way, this movie made me want to seriously consider taking dancing lessons. To call my dancing horrifying is an understatement. It's more like that bug that you know is harmless, but it's so unpleasant to look at that you just can't help but feel you want to kill it. Overall, a very exciting and intriguing film. Just don't take it too seriously. :)

Winning Best Picture at the Oscars in 2002 is a massive achievement and when you watch the film, you can see why. The acting is great and they really set the tone for 1920/1930's jazz era. Charismatic Richard Gere (who plays lawyer Billy Flynn) has a tremendous voice and didn't realise how quite far his range can go. He nails two of the biggest songs on the track - Razzle Dazzle and They Both Reached For The Gun. The latter performed is quite humorous and really shows his ability to manipulate and control the press. I've been quite a fan of Catherine Zeta Jones from her very early days working alongside David Jason in Darling Buds of May. Her acting was fantastic and the dancing routines were well choreographed for her sort of movements. Cell Block Tango was grand and performed really well. John C Reilly is a great singer as well, it's outstanding how they've managed to collaborate these actors together to sing in great harmony. The story line is good, strong and doesn't dwindle. It's a story of romance, comedy, fame and fortune which is represented awesomely! Would recommend to anyone, including those who hate musicals!

TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. The original stage version (not the Ann Reinking stage revamp) is so much better. Each song is done more in a different style of classic vaudeville number...ventriloquist, piano number, sister act, etc. See the one-man jury & the cross- dressing Mary Sunshine! And if Roxie ain't a red-head, pass it by. the ONE perfect for the film version of CHICAGO performance is Amos, by John C Reilly. Renee Zellweger is not comedian enough for the role, Catherine Zeta Jones is GORGEOUS but she's too gorgeous and her performance is too pretty and not gritty enough, Queen Latifa plays it too soft also. there's comedy in the Mama character which is her being SUCH a bull diesel and would've been perfectly played by Orange Is The New Black's Lea DeLaria. Another thing that bothers me is that idea-less people like Paula Abdul and Rob Marshall copy Bob Fosse and claim they did it in the name of an "homage" when later pressed. even though they give no NOTICEABLE credit in the film.