"Chicago" the movie is an extremely new and refreshing take on the world of musicals. Based on the stage production, the movie "Chicago" is expressed in song and dance. The lyrics to the songs, along with each number's sassy choreography, are totally and utterly irresistible. The risqué costumes, which enhance the crime and sex-driven nature of each number, also draws you in to this majestic masterpiece. Obviously not done in complete stage format, the advantage the movie production has is the availability of certain extras and special effects, that allow the song and dance routines to unfold more creatively and clearly with the plot. This being the case, even people who don't particularly care for musicals can appreciate this exhibition. For those who do enjoy a good old-fashioned movie musical, they will not only be satisfied, but will be ecstatic by the end of the film.

      "Chicago" is not your average every day trite boy-meets-girl love story; or even your popular overplayed action flick. "Chicago's" plot line is all its own. Based on a true story that's set in the late 1920's, and therefore making it even more fascinating, "Chicago" is all about the justice system, and how little justice actually has to do with it. As the plot unravels and you're introduced to the three main characters, two scorned women murderesses and a corrupt lawyer, you are shown over and over again how they use the criminal justice system to their advantage, not only to obtain not-guilty murder trial verdicts, but to become rich and famous celebrities. The media circus of the time helps with their dreams to become stars by feeding off all of the attention, though negative, that the girls receive throughout their trials, with the help of their cunning lawyer. The comedic irony throughout this picture is unremarkably entertaining, and drives it to be beyond Oscar-worthy.

      The casting for this movie could not have been more perfect. Each actor giving an all-star performance, is perfectly done up to look like they were taken from black and white photographs of the time. But the most important aspect in casting this movie was to find actors capable of singing and dancing while being able to remain true to their parts. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere went far beyond the call of duty as their characters Velma, Roxie, and Billy, in this dazzling tours de force. Also scoring a hit for their top-rate performances were Queen Latifah and John C. Reily. The whole ensemble went together so unbelievably well that they basically made the whole movie, which could have easily fallen short had the casting been off.