Razzle - Dazzle. Review on Chicago Movie

Chic-a-gooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

We're in the twenties, and we're in the smoky, sultry world of Chicago. Here you're nothing if you're not a star. Velma Kelly is hot on the cabaret circuit, but one night comes in late and befuddled. Her sister Veronica, with whom she does a double act, isn't with her, and it turns out that Velma has rubbed her out after catching her getting intimate with her husband. Watching Velma that night is Roxie Hart, a naive little thing with a burning desire to get into the world of show business. Stuck in a bland marriage with Amos Hart, a dull man who may as well be invisible, Roxie has been getting very friendly with smooth-talking Fred Casely, who keeps her sweet with talk of making her a name to remember. Yet after another night of bedroom antics, Roxie's nagging at Fred about stardom gets too much for him, and he confesses that he's nothing more than a furniture salesman, who just wanted to get into bed with Roxie. Furious and crushed at his revelation, Roxie shoots him. The police are quick on the scene, and Roxie convinces Amos to take the heat for the shooting. When he realises that she's been fooling around, he blows her cover, and Roxie is sent to prison. There she finds that life is quite different to what she had expected, with the charismatic Matron Mama Morton ruling the roost. Mama looks after her girls, and for a 'small' fee, can get you anything you like. Velma Kelly is also inside, and has made a friend in Mama, and practically an enemy in the fawning Roxie. Desperate to avoid a hanging, Roxie discovers the talents of slick lawyer Billy Flynn. For $5000, Billy can guarantee that not only will you be freed, but also be the talk of the town. Soon enough, Roxie is in all the papers, and is hot property. Her almost instant stardom infuriates Velma, so much so that she decides that sucking up to Roxie is the key to success. It's coming up to Roxie's trial, and everyone is tentatively waiting to hear the outcome. However, there are a few kinks in the plan that throws everything into chaos, and Roxie may not experience the outcome that she was hoping for.

Watching Chicago is like watching a star in the sky explode into a mass of glitter, music and lights. Visually stunning, exceptional songs, slick performances, a captivating story, what more could you ask for from a film? Just sit back, relax, and let it do the rest. This is the definitive crowd-pleaser, and it rarely hits a bum note. Since I don't normally care much for musicals, I was wary about leaping into the film straight away, but I now see what all the fuss is about. Of course, in a musical, the story has to have some worth; otherwise you might as well watch a concert by a pop star. Chicago manages to tell a fascinating story of deceit, murder and the shameless quest for fame without patronising for one second. The film also is essentially two pieces in one, with the story of Roxie's lust for the spotlight, and the musical narrative revue that is playing throughout. They blend and balance each other perfectly, and never outstay their welcome or become tiresome. Where Chicago scores the most is from the performances of its faultless cast. A group of talented actors with some excellent credits to their name coming together was a true joy to experience. Renee Zellweger carries the film sublimely as Roxie, showcasing her needs and desperation expertly. You can feel the naivety in her eyes as she realises just what she could become. Catherine Zeta Jones is a revelation as Velma, dancing and pouting her way throughout, and almost stealing the film. That Oscar went to the right person. Richard Gere, although an odd choice for the role of Billy Flynn, pulls it off, and is suitably suave with it. Queen Latifah is sublime as Mama, her big number alone is enough to go and see the film. John C. Reilly is effective as the long suffering Amos, and his solo song is surprisingly moving. The smaller roles are filled by competent players, and they make them memorable. Taye Diggs isn't given a whole lot to do, but does the job as the Bandleader. Lucy Liu is a knockout as usual as the larger than life Kitty Baxter, even if her screen time is limited. Christine Baranski makes a welcome appearance as newswoman Mary Sunshine, and even Mya makes her mark as inmate Mona. For all the big numbers, the glamour, and even the old 'Razzle Dazzle', Chicago is still a film with substance. You'll be humming along to all the songs, and I very much doubt that you'll be able to forget it in a hurry. Definitely one of the best musicals in recent years, and probably one of the better films made in recent memory. One great big winner.