(NOTE: This review was written by someone who has seen the Broadway revival of CHICAGO, starring Bebe Neuwirth.)
CHICAGO, the long-awaited film version of the Kander/Ebb/Fosse musical, is a dazzling spectacle helmed by Rob Marshall.
Renée Zellweger gives the performances of her career as Roxie Hart. I knew she could act beautifully (see BRIDGET JONES's DIARY), but could she sing and dance? Yes, and quite well.
Even though I already knew that Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere started in the musical theatre, there turns still surprised the heck out of me. Especially Zeta-Jones, whose sexy and sly Velma Kelly is a knockout.
Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly are both terrific in there respective roles. Christine Baranski, Taye Diggs, Dominic West, Mya, and Lucy Liu offer splendid support.
Rob Marshall did a great job directing this black diamond of a film. While it must have been a creative nightmare adapting this show for the screen, it looks effortless and fantastic.
CHICAGO is one of the best films of 2002, and will undoubtedly get some recognition when the Oscars come around.
CHICAGO, the long-awaited film version of the Kander/Ebb/Fosse musical, is a dazzling spectacle helmed by Rob Marshall.
Renée Zellweger gives the performances of her career as Roxie Hart. I knew she could act beautifully (see BRIDGET JONES's DIARY), but could she sing and dance? Yes, and quite well.
Even though I already knew that Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere started in the musical theatre, there turns still surprised the heck out of me. Especially Zeta-Jones, whose sexy and sly Velma Kelly is a knockout.
Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly are both terrific in there respective roles. Christine Baranski, Taye Diggs, Dominic West, Mya, and Lucy Liu offer splendid support.
Rob Marshall did a great job directing this black diamond of a film. While it must have been a creative nightmare adapting this show for the screen, it looks effortless and fantastic.
CHICAGO is one of the best films of 2002, and will undoubtedly get some recognition when the Oscars come around.