Come on, do the cell block tango with me
 Feb 9th, 2003
Advantages:
Fantastic acting, brilliant soundtrack
Disadvantages:
May turn you in to a husband murderer
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Characters / Performances
Soundtrack
How does it compare to similar films?
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  peekaboo123
About me:
Currently studying Philosophy BA at the University of Bristol
Member since:13.09.2002
Reviews:63
Members who trust:60
Review rated by 72 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Chicago, renound for its slightly murky past. Murder, gangsters, jazz, and liquor are the main contributors to the tasty plot in this film. Topping the bill is Reneé Zellweger, playing the main character Roxie. Most famously known for the film Bridget Jones’ diary, I was a little skeptical as to whether or not she could dance or sing, but I was willing to give her a chance. Next up is Catherine Zeta Jones, the Welsh lassie famous for her marriage to old timer Michael Douglas. Again, I had no idea of her abilities in anything other than acting. Then comes the king of charm; Richard Gere, an extremely experienced actor, well known throughout the business.
The film, set in the 1920’s, begins in a jazz bar, where Velma Kelly (Zeta Jones) and her sister Veronica are topping them bill. The problem is, only Velma turns up, and questions are asked of the whereabouts of Veronica. Watching from the audience, Roxie (Zellweger) looks up at her and longs to be just like her. Then, mid day-dream, in storm the police, who arrest Velma for the murder of her sister. Roxie leaves the bar with her lover, a man who’d promised her a life on the stage. When he tells her it’s lies and laugh in her face, she shoots him. What else could she do? In comes hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn (Gere). For a mere $5000 he will offer his services to Roxie. Her doormat husband Amus manages to scrape together some cash, and so Super lawyer comes to the rescue.
Whilst inside, Roxie gets acquainted with her role model Velma, and with the prison warden “mama” (Queen Latifah,) a suspicious character, who is certainly after a little more than good behaviour from the girls. Roxie then comes to realize that her trial and the media attention could be just what she needs to get her a big break in to show business. With Billy Flynn as her lawyer, she knew she couldn’t fail, and with determination by her side, she sets about trying to make her dreams come true. This juicy plotline would have probably been enough of a hit on it’s own. But when you throw the glorious show tunes in to the equation, the result is dynamite. With such classics as “All that Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle” you can simply sit back relax and devour the jazz.
So was it any good? I have to tell you, I left the cinema singing the songs for about a week. It’s a perfect mix of kick ass women and fantastic show tunes. The acting was never at any point sub-standard, and I was stuck to the screen for the whole film.
Reneé Zellweger lived up to my standards and a lot more. Although she’s probably not the best singer in the world, she has a charming voice, and she carried off the songs very well. She held her part excellently throughout, and I was entertained from beginning to end.
Catherine Zeta Jones was incredible as Velma. She took the part of bitch supreme and took it to a new level. Her voice is deep and loud and the jazz styling of the film fitted it like a glove. I have to say, I was very impressed, as she carried off the American accent tremendously.
Richard Gere was his usual charismatic, charming self, and I have to admit, I still find him rather attractive despite the huge age gap. I was absolutely astounded by his tap dancing skills, and my eyes were almost glued to his feet for the full dance routine. His singing wasn’t half bad either, and the part he played was typical Gere, and it worked like a charm. So, let’s put it in the mathematical form:
Fabulous acting skills + A wonderfully juicy plotline + Toe tappingly fantastic soundtrack = A bloody marvelous film, guaranteed to make you want to put on some stockings and suspenders, take up tap dancing, and milk the power woman role for all it’s worth. Watch out men, because it’s never been so fashionable to murder your husband!
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Chicago [DVD] [2003]
Adapted from the long-running stage version, this big-screenChicagois a non-stop ...
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13.09.2004 23:32
good review
24.09.2003 20:30
I loved this film! My favourite was definitely Queen Latifah! x
27.05.2003 09:01
fabulous op- and that has guaranteed a trip to the flicks if it's still on! Cheers Sue x