DVD Review: Chicago (B-)

Chicago
Directed By Rob Marshall
Starring Rene Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly
MPAA: PG-13
Grade: B-

Review by Scott Standish

I like musicals. Cabaret was fantastic. Grease was classic and I even liked Moulin Rouge. But despite all of the critical acclaim for Chicago, I had a hard time getting my arms around it. The songs were fine, the acting was good, but ultimately the film doesn't leave you much to think about afterwards.

Rene Zellweger plays Roxie Hart, an aspiring singer/dancer that wants to hit it big in Chicago. She offs her lover and ends up behind bars and hires Richard Gere to represent her. Catherine Zeta Jones plays Velma Kelly, a big time stage star. She is also in the ward on a murder rap and the two gals try to one up each other to the Chicago press. Queen Latifah plays the head of the women's prison ward and John C. Reilly shines here as Zellwegers invisible husband.

The musical numbers run almost nonstop and the songs are memorable, especially Reilly's "Mr. Cellophane". He actually outshines Richard Gere in Chicago, even while playing a rather mopey character.

Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Catherine Zeta-Jones) Chicago is a good movie that left me feeling empty at the end.

Give it a shot if you love musicals or the stars listed here, its worth a rental.