Personally I find the return of the musical to the screen is a wonderful thing - and there should be more of it (with kudos going to Mr Lurhmann for "starting" the trend). I'm sure that there'll never be a return to the heyday of the movie musical ... but tastes every now and then is very satisfying.
And that's what Chicago is ... immensely satisfying! Those familiar with the stage musical may well be disappointed with the most recent screen version - there are several songs omitted, characters changed (most notably Mary Sunshine), and there isn't the level of humour injected in the movie as there is in the stage, resulting in a much moodier piece. But it is worth seeing!!
Catherine Zeta Jones, whose pedigree was in song and dance before moving to TV and movies, positively sizzles as Velma Kelly. Renee Zellwegger brings a cutesy naivety to Roxie Hart, but her songs I felt needed a little more "guts" behind them. The real stand out for me, however, was Richard Gere. This is the first film in AGES I've seen him in that I was absolutely astounded with - his Billy Flynn had the delightful sleaze/schmooze factor turned up full boar - and it was wonderful!
The supporting cast shouldn't be forgotten - Queen Latifah's Matron "Mama" Morton was uproariously wicked, John Reilly's Amos was tenderly bitter sweet, and Taye Diggs as the Bandleader/Narrator was wonderful.
Don't miss this film - you'll be sorry if you do!
And that's what Chicago is ... immensely satisfying! Those familiar with the stage musical may well be disappointed with the most recent screen version - there are several songs omitted, characters changed (most notably Mary Sunshine), and there isn't the level of humour injected in the movie as there is in the stage, resulting in a much moodier piece. But it is worth seeing!!
Catherine Zeta Jones, whose pedigree was in song and dance before moving to TV and movies, positively sizzles as Velma Kelly. Renee Zellwegger brings a cutesy naivety to Roxie Hart, but her songs I felt needed a little more "guts" behind them. The real stand out for me, however, was Richard Gere. This is the first film in AGES I've seen him in that I was absolutely astounded with - his Billy Flynn had the delightful sleaze/schmooze factor turned up full boar - and it was wonderful!
The supporting cast shouldn't be forgotten - Queen Latifah's Matron "Mama" Morton was uproariously wicked, John Reilly's Amos was tenderly bitter sweet, and Taye Diggs as the Bandleader/Narrator was wonderful.
Don't miss this film - you'll be sorry if you do!