Review of Chicago (2002) by Souren M — 02 Aug 2010

Fictional characters, as a whole, get away with more than is permissible in reality. They do things we would never condone in our peers, yet still manage to elicit our sympathy. Maybe it's a form of catharsis--instead of inflicting violence on other people, we watch someone onscreen do so and cheer them on. Such is the case with "Chicago"--the film features a large rogue's gallery of criminals, con men, and crooks, yet most of these are surprisingly likeable. And yet, the urge to root for the bad guys is somewhat unsettling, for "Chicago" is a story about people beating the rap by manipulating the public, illiciting their sympathy and playing on their deep-seated need for the bizarre and bloody.

The film apart from all of that is a "Larger Than Life" movie. The music is spell bounding, songs like "funny honey","Cell Block Tango", and "All That Jazz" is really good. The film is a well worth satire, it makes you laugh as well as makes you think about. This is one of best films I've ever seen.