I didn't expect much going into Chicago. Although I had read several
             raving reviews, I still didn't believe that all that glitz and glamour
             could come off as being truly comedic, entertaining, or fun. Basically I
             expected a lackluster, over-the-top Hollywood production with some big name
             billings to rake in the dough. But not only did Richard Gere, Renee
             Zellweger, Catharine Zeta-Jones, and Queen Latifah light up the screen with
             their song and dance: the entire cast and crew contributed to a marvelous
             and captivating silver screen experience. Director Rob Marshall deserves
             accolades for being able to deliver such a titillating production that
             evokes not only laughter but a renewed appreciation for the lost art of
             The solo songs in Chicago were especially poignant, especially the
             ones with elaborate choreography. When the female convicts don heir sexiest
             lingerie for a jail-house rock, I felt a sensory overload from the song
             lyrics coupled with costume, set design, and sheer musical talent.
             Especially surprising was Richard Gere's musical number; not only can he
             carry a tune with aplomb but he looks good while doing it. His role offers
             just enough spice to shake up the meow mix without detracting too much from
             the female stars of the film. Catharine Zeta-Jones plays catty starlet
             Velma Kelly, the arch-rival of budding success Roxie Hart (Renee
             Zellweger); their solo numbers and duets convey their emotional ups and
             downs and demonstrate that these two critically acclaimed and world-famous
             actors also have a decent set of pipes.
             Chicago is pierced with irony: the story is set in a prison, and most
             of the women inside are murderers. Yet the plot does not focus on their
             moral shortcomings. Rather, the women are allowed to speakâ€"and singâ€"for
             themselves. Whether struggling performers like Kelly and Hart or simply
             spurned lovers, the female con...