Loved it! - Chicago Reviews

I saw this movie 4 times in theater and would have seen it more if my Mom had let me. I have always loved musicals and this and Moulin Rouge are my favorites. Zellweger and Zeta Jones were magnificent choices for the lead female roles. Who knew they could sing so well!!?? Gere was also very charming in the lead male role. I loved how they did it all through Roxie's eyes. The songs, the acting, the sets, and just everything about the movie are great. If you are a fan of musicals, you will love this movie!

Longer than the running time suggests - Chicago Reviews

Okay, lets face it. The Oscars have made two very recent mistakes in picking there best picture winners. 1998- Shakespeare in Love won for best picture over Saving Private Ryan. I don't care what anyone says, but Saving Private Ryan is a vastly superior movie, that should've won the award. The other mistake in 2002- when Chicago beat out (take your pick) The Pianist and Gangs of New York, both of which are far better movies. I have no problems with this movie when it comes to some of the acting and the story, but some of the direction in this movie is horrific to look at. In some shots, you can see the boom microphone, most noticeable is in a courtroom scene, when the Richard Gere character is talking to Roxy (Renee Zewellwegger). Other than a few scenes like that, and some akward editing (which he has to oversee), he does a good job in directing, in especially the musical scenes. My problem with the movie is that it feels twice as long as the running time says it does. I think the movie is 20 minutes short of 2 hours, but still it feels about as long as Titanic did. The problem with this is, is that the musical scenes come too often and too fast. Let's face it, there are too many of them. Just like a book adaptation, a musical adaptation has to be the same way. Both the movie and the adaptation can't be the same. The movie has to have more variety, because it can get very boring to watch. With a musical you know the musical scenes are coming, but with a movie, you too once again know its coming, but at least in a movie you can expect a plot. This movie even though the story is good, focuses too much on the dance sequences and not enough on the plot and direction. I reccommend this movie, but just barely. It's the type of movie that I could've waited to see on DVD.

Smart and snappy musical in spirit of the past - Chicago Reviews

Richard Gere, RENE ZELWEGGER, Catherine Zeta-Jones SINGING? I wouldn't have believed it until I saw this movie where everyone lets their hair down and struts their stuff. I thought I was watching a classic! And well I was...a new classic...reminiscent of the spirit of early musicals. Totally enjoyable, toe tapping fun with surprise vocal and performances by actors that you would never know have such hidden talent! Even if they don't sing like Debbie Reynolds, that they reach in and take the chance to shine musically and pull it off, makes for a film worth seeing. Enjoy!

You want to know my opinoin?? - Chicago Reviews

Well you are reading this so I guess you do. And my opinoin is, go see the play. Yes, it is a thouraly entertaining film, really I did like it, and having been in the play I was NOT dissapointed! However, compared to some of the other fims in 2002, Chicago was not the best. I was not a happy camper when it won Best Picture at the Oscars. The Acadamy can do way better then that.Chicago is also much more entertaining on the stage, where it was ment to be. So if you really loved the movie go see the play, it's better ten fold (depending of course on which production you see).

Yeah for "chicago"!!!!!! - Chicago Reviews

I absolutely fell in love with this film in the first minute of it. I saw it when if first came out int heaters, and I can only hope I'll be able to see it in play format. The acting was superb, the music was outstanding, and overall it was a fabulous film! Two thumbs up, without a doubt!

The best movie ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Chicago Reviews

i just watched it like 5 min. ago and it was great! The music was good and the dancing was brilliant! I would recomend it to everyone! There are some inappropriate parts but it was great!

A jazzy musical hit... - Chicago Reviews

I absolutely loved the movie. The lighting was perfect, the acting was great, and the overall package was such a delight. As an experienced actor in both straight and musical productions, I would have to say this is one of the best play to movie productions I have seen. It's right on the top of my all time favorite musicals list along with Cabaret and Moulin Rouge (although Moulin Rouge isnt a play to movie production). One of my favorite aspects of the movie was that the songs were all fantasy unless they were being performed live on stage. It was a great movie and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Chicago was a big success.

Damn i hate musicals - Chicago Reviews

I really do hate musicals. I was dragged to this kicking and screaming because a friend wanted to me to see it...but Chicago is quite a different animal; this is certainly no Sound of Music or Mary Poppins. I could never have imagined a musical so dark, so captivating, or so funny and it is full of images, sounds, and feelings I never thought I could feel in a movie like this. There is sweaty, energetic dancing, juxtapositions, references, and all-out images of sexuality, dark humor about adultery and murder, all coupled with a wonderfully cynical tone. I really loved Renee Zellweger in this (the poor thing got robbed by Nicole Kidman), as well as every other actor. I even enjoyed most of the music. "He Had It Coming" was in my head for weeks. If every musical was like this, I would be converted into a realm that typically only gay men and idiotic women fill but it is the dark and unique style of Chicago that makes it accessible and enjoyable by all.

Most excellent! - Chicago Reviews

In a word....Great! I had was grinning through the ENTIRE movie the dialogue and the cinematograpy was right on. Excellent stage to screen rendition! I had all I could do to not give it a standing ovation IN THE MOVIE THEATER!

One of the best movie musicals of all time - Chicago Reviews

i wasnt expecting much when i rented the video but this film really knocked me out even on a tv screen. the writing, directing, editing. everything was so creative. this film musical ranks up there with "singing in the rain" and "calamity jane". i came online to find out more about the creators of this film but just had to express my enthusiasm for it. wish i had seen it on the big screen. im definitely going to look for a revival. the direction and editing were some of the best ive ever ecountered in a film. i didnt see the broadway show but i bet this film beats it hands down. the music and dancing are first rate. youll really enjoy yourself. rent this movie!

My favorite movie - Chicago Reviews

I dont know why but when i saw this for the first time in december this just became my favorite movie with great music, and its very funny amazing movie.

Awesome - Chicago Reviews

I have seen a lot of films in my day and by far this one is the one I will see again and again. The music is hot and the acting is great. Gere got snubbed for Oscar in my opinion, but then again, when do most actors who actually deserve to win even get it. When it comes out on video its mine!!!

Bravo john c. reilly! - Chicago Reviews

John C. Reilly who plays Renee's husband was amazing. His song and dance performance was one of the if not the best performance in the whole movie. He did very well. And for his size he pulled off those slick dance moves very nicely. He isnt the star of the movie but he left an impression on me. Obviously this is a musical. So be prepared. I found the tie in of the songs and the acting very well done. This movie was better then i thought it would be. It was funny and its true that u catch urself smiling during some of the song/dance routines. Just cant help it. Richard gere sang too much for my liking. But oh well... And Renee is too damn scrawny. Skin and bones. She just looked ill. And Catherine was beautiful. And u know Catherine is skinny but when compared to Renee she appeared to be fat. Oh! And her hair cut was just too short. At times she looked good but sometimes it just made her head look too small and round. I guess anyone next to renee would look big. I liked both of the girls roles and acting. But u have to admit that whenever Catherine is in a scene she steals the spotlight.

See it you will be razzle dazzled! - Chicago Reviews

Chicago was deprived of several Oscars especially best director. Get the DVD you will really enjoy the old fashioned quality of great film making. Truly worth the twenty dollars to buy the DVD.

Not outstanding but good. - Chicago Reviews

This movie is nothing to Moulin Rouge. But is still good. Good acting, script, direction, and visuals. In all a good film but nothing speacel.

Chicago totally rocks!!! - Chicago Reviews

I never thought i'd say this about a musical but this was the best movie of the year!!! The acting singing and dancing was excelennt thank goodness it took homme best picture See it now!!!!

One of the best movie of all times. - Chicago Reviews

This movie is funny, entertaining, hillarious, has a plot, is creative, original... and a classic American Show, with lights, sexy women, dancing, murder, and publicity. With a big screen, you'll enjoy it better because it'll make you feel your watching a show. But remember, it's a show with an incredible plot. A MUST SEE!

Full of razzle dazzle - Chicago Reviews

Chicago had to be without a doubt the best movie musical I have ever seen. If you like to see Broadway on the big screen, don't pass this one up!

Truly fantastic! - Chicago Reviews

I am not the musical/movie type, but this movie is just kick-ass! I only saw it cause CZJ is in it and I think she is the most beautiful woman ever, and I wanted to see her sing and dance. Well she certainly can do both! Also the visuals of this movie are totally kick-ass! I thought the ventrilloquest scene was pretty cool. I recommend if you love CZJ or if you love musicals.

A different musical - Chicago Reviews

Excellent movie, this is definitely new and refreshing! Unfortunately some may feel "oh, I'm not into musicals" and choose to not watch but it will be their loss because it's different from the standard musical where the cast breaks into song, it's viewed via Roxies imagination. A MUST SEE MOVIE PERIOD!

Wow... - Chicago Reviews

I was dragged to see this, since I'm not into girly type movies or musicals, but this movie is definitly not a girly movie. I came to the theatre dissapointed and rolling my eyes and I left with my eyes popping out of my head and my jaw dropped to the floor! That's what this movie does to you! It leaves you in totally awe.

It's all that jazz and more! - Chicago Reviews

Outstanding movie! Hip, funny, and downright fun! No possible way you couldn't smile when you watch the three young actors/actresses who made the movie spectacular!

This is a classy movie - Chicago Reviews

I usually don't like musicals, but this one is different. It's about a woman who wants to be a broadway singer, so everything that happens around her is translated into a musical number in her head. This film has no lip-syncing and no cheesy impromptu line dancing. All the singing and dancing are done by the real actors, and there's even this really cool tap dance performed by Richard Gere himself. The story is all about a woman who goes to prison for murder and hires Chicago's best lawyer to get her off the hook. The film is very glossy and very artistic, but the acting lives up to it.

Great! - Chicago Reviews

First, when my parents wanted to see this movie, I thought it was stupid movie, so I didn't want to go. But I had to. But I didn't waste the money at all! It was one of the best film of the year.

Worth every oscar it won and didn't win - Chicago Reviews

The songs in this movie are cleverly written and quite funny "Some men just can't hold their arsenic", but just good songs does not make for a good movie. There has to be more, there has to be substance, drama, comedy and all that jazz(no pun intended). Chicago shines brilliantly with a story about a murderess in the 1920's Chicago who could not be more guilty. BUt with the help of Billy Flynn and all other characters we learn to love Roxy, and the last thing we'd ever wish is for her to be guilty. The ability to make us love the characters is what makes this movie TRULY shine!

Razzle dazzle . . . and all that jazz!!! - Chicago Reviews

I totally love this movie to bits and pieces! Everything about it just amazing and as Renee Zellweger said "It's just mind-boggling! You just don't know where to look!" Chicago is the best movie of this year!!!

Chicago - Chicago Reviews

When I saw Chicago, it opened my eyes to musicials and the joy of watching musicials. For musicials before it, they don't add up to the razzle-dazzle that Chicago beings to the silver screen. The actors and actresses do a fine job of protraying the story that is Chicago. If Bob Fosse were still alive today, he would be amased to see this. Chicago gives off the right tone and right feeling of joy as you walk out of the theatre. Your eyes will be shocked to have seen such a great movie. Most movie today are not made like this. This film is not poorly made in any way. Catherine Zeta-Jones gives the best performance of her career. She desired the Oscar for her performance. Chicago, in my mind, the best film of 2002. Renee Zellwager and Richard Gere both give the performance of their career. I could not ask for a better cast or a better movie. The depth is execellant. Richard Gere was robbed of an Oscar nomination. I hoped that this review will help you decide to see the movie Chicago.

I don't know what all the hoopla was about. - Chicago Reviews

"Chicago" is a good movie, yes, but it is FAR from one of the best films of the year, which the circus clowns known as the Academy made it out to be. "Chicago" is basically a wonderful stage play set to film - the film looks like it was shot on a stage, and while there are some reasonably solid dance and song routines, it won't blow anyone out of their seats in the way, say, "Moulin Rouge" did. Richard Gere is surprisingly good as the attorney, Renee Zwelleger turns in a good performance, but I found myself very disappointed in Catherine Zeta-Jones, who supposedly can do no wrong, but I found flat and tired. Is it worth your $9.50? Yeah, I guess, but don't look for much more than a true-to-form theatrical adaptation of a stage musical.

All that jazz! - Chicago Reviews

Academy Award for Best Picture went to this musical extravaganza that tells the tale of two feuding jailbirds as adapted from the hit Broadway play. Set in the cabaret styled 1920?s, the plot follows a wannabe chorus girl Roxie Hart [Renee Zellweger] who murders her conniving lover in a lust of rage. Placed in jail awaiting trail, Roxie meets her mentor Velma Kelly [Catherine Zeta-Jones], who?s also a murderer. The plot thickens when everyone?s favorite attorney Billy Flynn [Richard Gere] enters the scene to represent either client who renders the most media attention. Roxie?s crime is now new to the press, so they focuses more on her and making her there cover story, that in turn infuriates Velma and the two beautiful dames face-off in song and dance to win the approval of the media and most important, there lawyer. Rob Marshall serving in his directorial debut, neither seems flustered or inexperienced as he offers trademarks of the great Vincente Minnelli and Bob Fosse. A major factor to this is his vast knowledge of the theatre environment where his skills in acting, writing, chorography, directing and almost anything else that surrounds the Broadway scene. Marshall dedication and perseverance towards the production of Chicago is meticulously excellent, as everything looks breathtakingly beautiful. Specifically noted is the immaculate musical numbers that are both articulate and explanatory, as most musicals tend to sway from the script as it burst into song and dance, Chicago develops it?s scenes with every individual song. A challenged cast if examined thoroughly, but Marshall in-depth accuracy in each character corrects the untalented in the field of musicals, perfect example is Renee Zellweger who accounts for a performance of a lifetime, although she is not known or trained to sing or dance, same scrutinization can go to the entire cast, to which Catherine Zeta-Jones benefited with her supporting actress Oscar. Further aggravation must go to the Academy board, for giving awards for cinematography and set-art direction, although a lavished atmosphere typed movie, blatant biasness is foreseen by the Academy as nominations in the respective fields went to movies like The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers, Gangs Of New York and Road To Perdition. What maybe the only real fault towards this film, that aspect of grievance truly goes to the Academy, who has been decisively racial and annoyingly untrustworthy since the early 90?s as in comparison to the past. Chicago has it?s doubts in greatness as in terms of musical history, it?s probably the best film of the calendar year.

Chicago - best film of 2003! - Chicago Reviews

Right off the bat I would like to tell you that this is a great movie, one of my favorites. With stunning visuals, outstanding acting, and a great story, plus the superb choreography of the dance numbers. Chicago is truly a great film and is destined to become a classic in the future. Story: The story, whose screenplay was nominated for an Oscar (Best Adapted Screenplay - lost to The Pianist) is about a woman, Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) who wants her own nightclub act. She finds this guy who says he has "connections" but is really using her. When Roxie finds this out, she kills him. After being sent to death row, she tries to get into the limelight but has tough competition from a murderous nightclub singer Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta Jones). Watch as they battle for attention and their lives. It is a great story and the songs really add a lot to it. Acting: There isn't much to say here. This movie has excellent actors. Renne Zellweger was nominated for Best Actress for this movie and Catherine Zeta Jones won Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards. Richard Gere didn't receive a nomination but is still great. Direction: The director, Rob Marshall (who also choreographed the dance routines) really put a lot of time and effort into this movie, and it shows. He received an Oscar nomination for his work (Best Acheivement in Directing - lost to Roman Polanski for The Pianist). Visuals: The visuals are superb in Chicago. The glittery sets, props, and costumes really bring you back to the Roarin' Twenties where anything goes. This movie won Best Art Direction/Set Direction and Best Costume Design. Once you see this movie you'll agree with the Academy. Overall: Overall, this is a great movie so go out and see it. I heard it will be coming back to theatres with the musical number "Class" (which was cut from the movie) edited into it. Also, it's coming to DVD August 19. Chicago - Best Motion Picture of the Year 2002 (Academy Awards)