“Chicago” starts out with a loud bang as sexy Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) dances and sings to “All That Jazz.”
Soon, the glitz, lies and deceit of Chicago spill out on the big screen as murderesses, eager news reporters and a corrupt attorney entertain the audience through a song and dance extravaganza.
“Chicago,” based on the Broadway hit by Bob Fosse, John Kander, and Fred Ebb, takes place during the roaring 20s in Chicago. The sassy play first hit the stage back in 1975 and was successfully revived in 1996.
Sultry, sweet Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) desires the life of a superstar. She finally gains the attention she wants when she commits murder, by shooting her faithless lover.
While she’s in jail she meets the hard-edged Velma Kelly, who at one time was a famous cabaret singer, until she murdered her husband and sister.
With the aid of Mama Morton (Queen Latifah) the downtrodden Hart hires slick, savvy attorney Billy Flynn (Richard Gere) to defend her. Flynn claims that he always wins his case and “If Jesus Christ had lived in Chicago,” he explains, “And if he’d had $5,000, and had come to me–things would have turned out differently.”
Newspapers filled with the images of Roxie Hart stream out into the city and Hart finally gains the attention that she so desperately wanted. As other murderesses fill up death row, Hart loses her moment of fame, but in the end she teams up with Kelly and they perform an outstanding dance and song number.
The cast of “Chicago” was well thought out and Zellweger, Gere and Zeta-Jones act their parts perfectly.
Some of the best song numbers included “Cell Block Tango,” “All That Jazz,” and “Razzle Dazzle.” The songs are filled with amazing sets and wonderful choreography.
Everyone has always said “Chicago” would be extremely hard to bring to the big screen, but Director/Choreographer Rob Marshall, the Broadway pro with solid TV credits (“Cinderella,” “Annie”), took on this enormous task and adds gusto to the film.
Following in the musical style of “Moulin Rouge,” the film allows time for audiences to rest between songs, while still remaining true to its musical roots.
Queen Latifah superbly acts the role of the prison matron with over-the-top oomph and classy style. She belts out the number “When You’re Good to Mama” with pizzazz that definitely convinces the audience exactly what mama likes.
“Chicago” is definitely a must see and is big, brassy, and entertaining to the max. It opened in Denver last week and is rated PG-13 for sexual content and dialogue, violence and thematic elements.
