This is one ambitious movie. Coming in on the tails of Moulin Rouge, which was the first musical to hit it big in a long time, this story brings the Broadway smash to the big screen with class and mega style. I’m not sure that I’m locked in as a fan of musicals necessarily, but I can make an exception now and then. Especially when, admittedly, I am mesmerized by the musical numbers. One scene offers up Zellweger’s character as a puppet to Gere’s mastering as a lawyer putting the proper spin to the press about her murder trial. I wanted to be in a live theater watching it in person it was so good.

Catherine Zeta-Jones-Douglas is gorgeous and has a flair for her character, a tough jaded performer and former darling of the city. Her numbers are sexy and her first love, dancing, comes shining through with sultry elegance.

Everyone in this movie does a stellar job, from John C. Reilly to Queen Latifah to Richard Gere and our leading ladies. This is one seriously watchable ensemble cast.

Getting sucked into the story is one thing, and oddly enough the story was the least attractive thing in this film for me (strangely enough), but actually waiting for, hoping for the next musical number is what makes this a great movie experience. With the added style of what looks like old black and white news reel footage from the 20’s that follows the story of our newly famed jail bird, contrasted with the very glossy Broadway-esque musical numbers, this film takes your eyes on a visual adventure.

Zellweger, Jones, and Latifah all have moments of drabness and glamour that emphasize their prison reality with the ultra-slick fantasy of the world created when they bust into song and dance. Like I said, I’m not a big fan of musicals, and with the recent release of “From Justin to Kelly” (please forgive me for mentioning this monstrosity), I was even more challenged to keep the faith in this genre. But then I had to scan my past and openly admit that “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas” was one of my favorite flicks oh so many years ago. So, I guess there is the good, the bad, the ugly, the tacky, the classy, and the glamorous when it comes to musicals. Chicago is a step above, a must see for anyone who is a fan of the star studded cast. This is one of their best and it’s well worth a watch. Viva La Musical!!