This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 145! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE. Hey everyone!
Hey there, friends!
Let’s talk celluloid magic, shall we? Last night’s feature presentation: the glitz, the glam, the murderlicious mayhem of Rob Marshall’s 2002 film, “Chicago.”
Now, this movie isn’t your typical, feel-good Hollywood musical. Forget sugar-coated happy endings and wholesome singalongs in the park. “Chicago” is a satire, a dark comedy with a splash of vaudeville thrown in for good measure. Think “Singin’ in the Rain” on a bender after a particularly scathing review, you know?
The story centers around Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), a sassy vaudeville star with a penchant for trouble (and sharp objects). When she offs her philandering hubby and her sister, she finds herself vying for spotlight (and acquittal) alongside naive chorus girl Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) who killed her snake of a boyfriend. Their lawyer, the smooth-talking Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), is their ticket to fame, but there’s a hefty price tag on that legal charm.
What unfolds is a dazzling display of musical numbers that are equal parts catchy and cynical. And let’s be real, the true star of this show is the music. From the infectious “All That Jazz” to the sultry “Cell Block Tango,” every number is a bona fide bop that’ll have you tapping your toes and humming along. And can we take a moment to appreciate the sheer genius of that “We Both Reached for the Gun” duet? Iconic, my friends, iconic. 🎵.
And let’s not forget the music! Kander and Ebb’s iconic score is pure jazz-age brilliance. “Cell Block Tango” is a sassy anthem of wronged women (with a surprising amount of tap dancing thrown in for good measure), and “Razzle Dazzle ‘Em” is a cynical ode to the power of manipulation (and it’s ridiculously catchy).
But here’s the thing that really elevates “Chicago” for me: it’s not afraid to get its hands dirty. It satirizes the media’s obsession with crime, the justice system’s corruption, and the fleeting nature of fame. It’s a film that winks at the audience, daring us to laugh at the absurdity of it all, even if it makes us a little uncomfortable. Did I mention it’s also hilarious? Because it really is. Richard Gere’s portrayal of the smarmy lawyer is pure comedic gold, and Queen Latifah absolutely steals the show as the prison matron Mama Morton.
But you know, what really got to me was the satirical take on the whole celebrity criminal culture and how it mirrors today’s obsession with fame at any cost. It’s kinda eerie when you think about it.
Now, “Chicago” isn’t perfect. The plot can be a little thin at times, and some might find the cynicism a bit much. But for me, the dazzling visuals, the killer music, and the razor-sharp wit make it a total winner. It’s a film that leaves you humming tunes while pondering the absurdity of the world (and maybe questioning your own morals a little bit).
I had a blast being transported for a couple of hours to a different era, getting lost in the glitz, the glamour, and the gritty underbelly of the Jazz Age. And honestly, it’s given me a lot to think about in terms of how much society has (or hasn’t) changed when it comes to fame and justice.
So, if you’re looking for a musical that’s anything but ordinary, “Chicago” is your jam. Just be prepared to be dazzled, both by the spectacle and the satire. And hey, maybe you’ll even walk away with a catchy new tune stuck in your head. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself singing “Cell Block Tango” in the shower.
Until next time, happy watching!
Roger