Geeks logo

Chicago - A Movie Review

'Chicago' is a splendid film with top-notch acting, impressive dancing, and notable technical work.

By Marielle SabbagPublished about a year ago 3 min read
Like

Let’s paint the town on our trip to Chicago.

Chicago is a 2002 film adapted from the popular Broadway musical. Roxie Hart is on trial for murdering her lover. Developing a rivalry with a prison inmate, Velma Kelly, the woman competes for publicity from the reporters and their sleazy lawyer.

Chicago is one of those rare movie musical adaptations that movies don’t make anymore. Chicago is a splendid film with top-notch acting, impressive dancing, and notable technical work. I have seen Chicago a couple of times, but my most recent watch defined what this dazzling and deviant success signifies.

Renee Zellweger and Catherina Zeta-Jones were the showstoppers. Bold in all character choices, dance expertise, and interactions, Roxy and Velma are a memorable duo. I was astounded by Zeta-Jones. She inhabited the character's devious personality. Zellweger was also fantastic, learning to stand her ground.

Richard Gere was excellent (and charming) as Billy Flynn. In preparation, Gere took three months of tap dancing lessons for one signature dance number. Flynn’s attitude has always been up to interpretation. Does he want to ensure the women’s freedom or is he only n it for the money?

John C.Reilly is multi-talented. His presence is an important part of Chicago’s success. He doesn’t get enough credit! Reilly deserves more recognition for his performance as Amos Hart. Amos doesn’t get the respect he wants. Reilly performed the best ‘Mr. Cellophane’ number. Being a clown enthusiast, he came up with the design for his clown-like appearance.

Queen Latifah was excellent as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. Her signature song ‘When You are Good to Mama’ is a memorable number. As much as I always enjoy Latifah, she didn’t channel the character animosity enough, sticking to her usual trademark personality.

Talent, passion, and expertise were mastered by all involved in Chicago. No small part exists. The ensemble has an important duty both in the musical version and in this film. Unlike how some film adaptions edit out the ensemble world, Chicago includes everyone. An actress from the original Broadway musical makes a cameo.

I was surprised to learn that this film was Rob Marshall’s debut as a director! He outdid himself. Marshall excelled in his work on his vision for the film. Cinematography, edits, and art design were all expertly done. Filmmakers studied the hopping 1920s era. The film has breathtaking detail. A hand goes out to Colleen Atwood for her signature costume designs.

Aside from the incredible technical elements of Chicago, Marshall achieved his own vision. Instead of characters randomly bursting into tune (which they do), musical numbers occur inside the character's heads. For example, in ‘Cell Block Tango’ the screen cuts from women talking about their murders until cutting to the fantasy dance number.

It’s not long until the music gets stuck in your head, which is a good thing! ‘Cell Block Tango’ is a fierce dance number led by a team of talented women.

I have listened to most of the songs over and over on YouTube. ‘They Both Reached for the Gun’ is a creative scene documenting how Flynn does his job. Other memorable songs include, ‘All That Jazz’, ‘All I Care About is Love’, and ‘I Can’t Do it Alone’.

Chicago is not a film for young audiences. Not only does it harbor themes about murder, there are also sexual undertones to the story. The costumes are exotic, but also quite revealing.

I will never get tired of watching Chicago. Chicago is a film that makes you smile and dance in your seat. Put Chicago on your list of films to see.

moviereviewpop cultureentertainmentcomedycelebrities
Like

About the Creator

Marielle Sabbag

Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.