Roxie Hart is dying to get into Vaudeville. She thinks Velma Kelly is the greatest and wants to be just like her. To get help, she has an affair with Fred Casely, a salesman who claims he has connections. When he tells her the truth that he just wanted a roll in the hay, Roxie shoots him dead. She tries to get her husband to cover up for her, but it's a no go. Roxie is sent to a women's prison where Velma also lands for a double murder rap. The warden, Mama Morton, suggests to her to get lawyer Billy Flynn. Billy has never lost a case, but that is only because he is corrupt as criminals he defends. So Roxie will have to now to play the game to get out and pursue her dreams.

It has a few features. A documentary about what went on behind the scenes, and a deleted number.

Perhaps a tad overrated?

Star power overload. Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, Lucy Liu (in a rather thankless cameo), and Christine Baranski.

I know I am going to take some flack for this one. I thought it was good, but for me it didn't live up to the hype. I am not sure it deserved its Best picture Oscar. The numbers were well done. The stars that really shine are Zellweger, Zeta-Jones, and Latifah (she can really sing). Gere is okay for a first time singer, and Baranski is too over the top with her few lines she sings.

The thing is when a movie gets overhyped, I will either like it or get let down by it. Chicago lies in the middle. I liked it, but I didn't love it.

Still, this is just a sign that the movie musical is coming back (which is good). It started on TV when ABC started doing musicals, then Moulin Rouge came to pass, and now Chicago. There will be more of the same coming soon. If you want this film, rent it first, then buy it.

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Created Sep 16, 2003 at 3:02am • Submit your own review...