Chicago

"Chicago" is a 2002 musical crime-comedy film directed by Rob Marshall and based on the 1975 Broadway musical of the same name. The film's star-studded cast includes Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere, all of whom deliver captivating and nuanced performances.

Set in the 1920s, the film tells the story of Roxie Hart (Zellweger), a determined and ambitious chorus girl who is imprisoned for the murder of her lover. Behind bars, she encounters Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones), a renowned vaudeville performer who is also incarcerated for murder. The two women engage in a fierce competition for the attention of Billy Flynn (Gere), a cunning and manipulative lawyer who specializes in defending women accused of murder.

The musical numbers in "Chicago" are the clear standout feature of the film. With the jazzy and catchy songs and impeccably choreographed dance sequences, the film captures the vibrant energy and excitement of the 1920s era. Zellweger and Zeta-Jones showcase their impressive singing and dancing abilities, while Gere's charming and manipulative portrayal of Billy Flynn adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

In addition to the musical numbers, "Chicago" offers a satirical commentary on celebrity culture and the justice system. Roxie and Velma become media sensations as a result of their crimes, and their trials become public spectacles in which they play to the cameras and manipulate public opinion. The film exposes the corrupt legal system and the power of wealth and fame, both of which both help and hinder the women's cases, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the complex dynamics at play in society.

And Lucy Liu's portrayal of Kitty Baxter, a nightclub dancer and murderess, also had its own spotlight. Although her role was relatively small compared to the main characters, Liu brought a captivating and sultry energy to the character. Her storyline in the film also added an interesting layer to the social commentary of the story, representing the exploitation of women in the entertainment industry and the desperation that can lead to crime.

Release: 2002

Cast: Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%