Chicago [2002]
The 2002 winner of the Best Picture Academy Award blends jazz, murder and cabaret in a scintillating way. Gloriously over-the-top musical is also a visual treat. The song-and-dance numbers are not gratuitous, they actually help move the plot forward, something we rarely get to see. Choreography, sets, costumes, music and lyrics are impeccable. Catherine Zeta-Jones took home the Oscar for portraying Velma Kelly; she’s quite the scene-stealer. She’s not alone, though. Renée Zellweger, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly and even Richard Gere turn in some of the best work in their careers. I know I’m in the minority here but, for me, this movie is flawless.
* I took to rewatching a few of my favorite movies this week. There Will Be Blood was first, then Pleasantville and now Chicago, one of the first movies I truly fell in love with. I must’ve been 12 or 13 years old. Also, I recently stumbled upon an interesting article: http://www.oscars.org/features/04022012/chicago.html
Never seen you give a five-star grade before. Glad you’re reviewing your favorites, and I’m glad I’ve seen some of them. I liked this when i saw it for the first time back around October, I think. Here’s my review:
http://themoviefreakblog.WordPress.com/review-chicago
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I love the movie so much. The last 5-star review I wrote was actually the first one I did for this blog, Biutiful (https://fernandorafael.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/biutiful-2010/)
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I love this film. Anyone who thinks they don’t make good musicals anymore isn’t paying attention. Since 2001, there’s been Moulin Rouge, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hustle & Flow, Deamgirls, Once and Across the Universe. (Yes I meant to omit Mamma Mia. Ugh!) Nice review Fernando!
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Mamma Mia! is super cheesy and silly, but I find it so enjoyable. The songs by ABBA have a timeless charm and the cast is amazing. I’d add Hairspray, Walk The Line and Sweeney Todd to that list. Oh, and Rent, who everybody seems to hate but I love.
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I loved this too! I do love a good musical. Mark’s right, Hedwig is brilliant! The only bad musical I’ve seen recently is Cannibal the Musical; forced upon me by my other half – it’s made be the same people behind South Park and it’s noticeable. I’d much rather watch Chicago over and over any day rather than toot like that! Also great to see a five star review!
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Thanks! I actually hadn’t written a 5-star review since Biutiful, which was my first blog entry back in late 2010 and Casino before that when I was still at Flixster. I just love Chicago and I think it’s flawless. I love musicals, but normally some of them feature cringe-worthy lyrics. This one doesn’t. The acting, the choreography, the design, the music: I love everything about it. Also, hadn’t heard of Cannibal before but now I know that I’ll be skipping it!
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It’s not worth the watch, trust me! Watch Hedwig or Singin’ in the Rain instead 😉
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