Cady's Take:

Roxie convinces her loyal but dim-witted husband Amos (John C. Reilly) to raise the money to hire Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), the best lawyer around. "In this town, murder's a form of entertainment," he comments. He refers to courtrooms as "three ring circuses" and assures Roxie that justice can be blinded by the "razzle dazzle" he will employ. Oh, and by the way- John C. Reilly sings and dances! Who knew? In one of my favorite scenes he does a tear-jerking rendition of Cellophane Man. I just love John C. Reilly.

As Roxie fashions herself as America's sweetheart, Velma has more than a few surprises in store, and the two women stop at nothing to outdo each other in their obsessive pursuit of fame and celebrity. This is Chicago after all!

Catherine Zeta Jones stole every scene she graced. Zellweger is perfect as the sweet, innocent-looking blonde ingénue with a fiery imagination and a lust for the stage. Chicago also stars Queen Latifah as prison warden Matron 'Mama' Morton, who helps her girls for the 'right' price. Gere is even good and I am not a big fan of his.

The dance routines are great and the songs are extremely clever. Chicago is sexy and flamboyant, if you like musicals you will surely enjoy this film.

After seeing “Chicago” I am much more willing to break down and see “Moulin Rouge”, something I have been avoiding for quite some time. I am not opposed to musicals, in fact I really enjoy all the old-Hollywood style musicals but for some reason as new Hollywood begins to tip-toe back into the genre I have been hesitant to follow along. Also, Renee Zellweger annoys the hell out of me.

The idea of seeing Richard Gere sing and dance was enough to get me to put this movie on my list for “What to Rent” and I am happy that I did so. “Chicago” is a fast-paced song-and-dance number with enough story in between to keep you waiting for the next song and dance. I was incredibly impressed with the choreography, acting, costume and performances to the point where I felt Zeta-Jones as a character and Zelleweger – I actually enjoyed her. This is a 40s style tongue-in-cheek story of guys and dolls and fame and lust and it truly needs to be seen to be understood.

Of special mention is Queen Latifa as “Mama” and John C. Reilly as Amos. Latifa is amazing as a prison warden with an agenda and Reilly’s Amos Hart proves what an unparalleled character actor he is, especially when he does “Mr. Cellophane”, a piece I read up on and found is very well-known. I can’t think of a movie that John C. Reilly is in that I wouldn’t watch again; his small but integral part in “Chicago” is worth the rent.