Chicago (2002)

Though it won Best Picture in 2003, I never bothered watching Chicago for one simple reason, it's a musical and I'm not really into them. Then Birgit picked it for the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge, it sounded fun and decided to watch it. And what can I say, it probably didn't deserve the Oscar but it's a fun musical.

In 1920s Chicago, Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger), a housewife who dreams of becoming a vaudeville star, kills her lover (Dominic West) after finding out he was never going to make her famous. As he discovers her infidelity, Roxie's husband, Amos (), refuses to take the blame for the murder and Roxie is sent to jail, pending hanging. There she finally meets Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the vaudeville star she admires the most, who is in for murder her husband and her sister --they were having an affair. Both represented by greasy lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), who is known for having his clients acquitted and making them famous, the two women start fighting for the fame. 

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name which in turn is based on the true story of Roxie Hart, the plot is pretty thin and stupid --I mean, they try to justify a second degree murder-- and yet it's witty and interesting enough to keep you glued to the screen to know how it will end, even though you predict how it is going to end.

Another interesting aspect of Chicago is its characters. They all are nasty, selfish people, and there's absolutely nothing redeeming about them but you can't help but like them and root for them, and the credits go to the actors. 

Renée Zellweger gives an exquisite performance as Roxie Hart, a scheming, manipulative woman who's always looking for attention. Roxie isn't the kind of character that has development, but the kind that slowly shows who she really is, somewhat of a psychopath, and Zellweger does a wonderful job delivering that. Her portrayal feels genuine, and she manages to be incredibly sweet, sarcastic and sexy too. Her singing and dancing aren't perfect which make her the perfect choice to play a woman who is not a singer nor a dancer but wants to become one. Hers, in my opinion, is the strongest performance of the film. 

Miramax Films

Zellweger gets great support from most of the rest of the cast. Catherine Zeta-Jones gives a pretty good performance as Velma Kelly, the ruthless, self-assured star, and her dancing and singing are on point. Did she deserve the Oscar for Supporting Actress? I'm not sure. Queen Latifah is good too as Mama, the corrupt warden of the women's prison, and John C. Reilly is delightful as Roxie's neglected, suffering husband. Richard Gere, on the other hand, is terrible as the lawyer as he looks like he'd rather be somewhere else. 

The musical numbers are quite entertaining and very well choreographed and yet I had a problem with them. They don't really move the plot forward and they are often interrupted with dialogue which is very annoying. I liked the idea of mixing reality and fantasy but it could have been handled better. They, however, allow us to know things about the characters in a more fun way. 

Visually, Chicago is very beautiful. From cinematography to sets to costumes, it's all great. Still, because of the flaws in the script and the execution, I don't think it should have won Best Picture.