Chicago (2002)

REVIEW
"Give 'em the old razzle-dazzle" sings lawyer Billy Flynn (Gere) in one of the many splashy production numbers in this rollicking screen version of the Broadway musical. That advice (or is it more of a command?) is taken to heart by director Marshall in adapting the Kander & Ebb tuner (which was originally staged by Bob Fosse in 1975), for Chicago is a dazzling display of music, editing, dance and technique that will make the spirits soar. A cynical contemplation of celebrity and crime, the story follows Roxie Hart (marvelously played by Zellweger), who murders her lover and finds in prison the fame that had eluded her in life. With this notoriety comes high-profile attorney Flynn to defend her and literally tap dance his way around the facts, and an almost-friendly rivalry with fellow murderess/prisoner Velma Kelly (the remarkable Zeta-Jones), herself looking for legal, though not necessarily moral, salvation. If there's any casualty in the transfer from stage to screen, it's Velma, whose part has been significantly reduced to a supporting character. But it doesn’t hurt the story, nor do the missing six songs (including four of Velma's: "Class," "When Velma Takes the Stand," "I Know a Girl" and "I Am My Own Best Friend"). Screenwriter Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters) has taken the revue-like stage show and made the musical numbers part of Roxie's fantasy life, and it works exceedingly well. There's an unusual credit at the end of the film, stating that Zellweger, Zeta-Jones and Gere did all their own singing, and for good reason, for all three are in good voice, and will surprise many with their musical talent. In support, Reilly as Roxie's clueless husband and Latifah as a crafty prison matron both shine in their roles, and make the most of their respective solo numbers. Director Marshall, whose staging and editing recall Fosse's own Cabaret at times, has taken a legendary stage production and turned it into a film musical which could be the stuff of legend. It's a razzle-dazzle tour-de-force -- a pulsating, foot-tapping, scintillating masterwork of song, dance and all that jazz. Winner of 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.