Chicago (2003)

 Great!
This is one of the best movie adaptations of a musical. I love how the action is mixed into the staged songs. Catherine Zeta-Jones is excellent and I thought that John C Reilly was unexpectedly phenomenal. I have a few very masculine guy friends who resisted seeing it and thought it would be horrible--they ended up loving it, too. Fantastic! April 29, 2008

 A Five Star Quality Picture That Disturbed Me
I've always been interested in this movie, but not sure what I think of it. Technically it has earned its award in my book, and also has earned a five star rating. But if the stars were used in my case to reflect how much I liked it, it would be a two. I checked it out from the library, watched the first 45 minutes, and then fast forwarded to the final half hour, seeing the trial and ending to know how things came out.

One person rightly said there are hardly any redeemable characters in it. The protagonist is an adulterous murderer who thinks only of herself. It questions if there is any real judgment.

I would compare this to "A Clockwork Orange". Both show the depths of depravity. The difference? The Kuberick classic reflects the emptiness of the depravity, while "Chicago" has fun with it.

I thought the blur between reality and fantasy was very effective, which added both to its uniqueness and its disturbing quality. I loved the acting as well. There were also some good points, such as the lawyer telling Rene's character that she should be happy with her freedom. Too many people are not happy with what we should be happy with.

One thing I missed was the conviction of the foreign girl. I found that hanging scene very depressing, and I did miss why she was convicted.

Another reviewer said "All That Jazz" and "Cell Block Tango" stick with you, and he was right.

This was a well done movie, but it is one I would have been fine not seeing. Just because it is good art does not mean it is good.

April 28, 2008

 Chicago
We have had this video for over 1 year and we watch it at least once every month. It is delightful and fun. We don't think you could get any better actors to do as well. K.N.Cooper April 14, 2008

 Exceptional adaption from stage to screen!
Ok I am a huge fan of musicals but there have been some dreadful cinematic treatments of many musicals. Rob Marshall's brilliant vision in adapting the phenomenal Broadway revival (still running on B'way as of Mar/08) to screen is a pleasure and a guilty one at that!
Superb performances all around and of course Zeta-Jones deserves her Oscar although Queen Latifah gave as good as it gets. Richard Gere is a delight as the smarmy lawyer and sings with an appropriate 1920's nasal tenor!
Obviously I give this film a high recommendation and looking forward to watching it over and over. March 11, 2008

 Chicago ROCKS
Bought the item for a gift. My friend really appreciates it and
was pleased with the product. February 26, 2008

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