"Chicago" (2002)

Ahh, the Roarin' 20's. And where better to experience the 1920's than Chicago, right? Did the 20's actually occur anywhere else?

"Chicago" (2002) is a silver screen production of the infamous Broadway production, which in turn was based off the play from 1926 of the same name. There were several film productions of it, but none of them drew the audience that the 2002 version did, mostly due to the acclaim of the Broadway musical.

"Chicago" follows the story of Roxie Hart (Renee Zelwegger) - the wife of dim-witted Amos (John C Reilly) - who only wants to see her name in lights. She is sent to prison for murdering Fred (Dominique West [he pops up a lot, huh?]) who she is cheating on her husband with. In prison she meets Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) who is an actual night club sensation. Their shifty warden Mama (Queen Latiffa) sets them both up with the greatest defense attorney in Cook County - Billy Flynn (Richard Gere).

The musical numbers flow seemlesly through the movie. They're basically all imaginary numbers occurring within Roxie's mind, covering up the boredom that is real life. Roxie is so bored with reality, that she sees everything as a musical number, presented each time by Taye Diggs. Taye Diggs was the band leader of the first musical number of the movie where we are introduced to Velma as a starlet. So seeing him as the band leader makes him the only band leader in Roxie's eyes. She is a bit crazy.

There are quite a few great numbers in the movie, but my favorite song from it has always been "Mister Cellophane", performed by John C Reilly. At this point in his career Reilly hadn't established himself as the Dr Steve Brule or Duey Cox brand of comedy. He had established himself as a bit of a dim-wit character actor, so Amos was perfect for him. And he pulls the song off pretty well. Not as good as Ben Vereen on "The Muppet Show", but enough to still make it my favorite number of the movie.

If you haven't seen it, check it out. It's quite enjoyable. The chemistry between all the actors and actresses is clear, and the choreography in all the numbers look great. A musical doesn't need a thick plot, all you need is some great numbers and catchy tunes: two things this movie does great.