Joined: 12/31/69
Having only seen the movie, I will say that I love it very very much, and think its one of the greatest movies to come out in the last couple of years.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
Chita Rivera was the best thing about the movie.
Good movie. Not a bad transfer from stage to film. BUT TOO MANY great songs were cut. Just too many. I understand it had to fit the "everything through Roxie's mind" concept, but they could've worked it out.
The current Revival of the stage show shines miles and miles above the movie! There is such magic in the revival, and I feel a lot of if it was lost transfering to film.
Movie is good. But the stage show is FANTASTIC. It's just a lot better than the movie.
Updated On: 4/3/05 at 12:43 AM
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
The Mary Sunshine humor is lost. I understand why it was done that way, but still...
The movie simply could never match the brilliance of seeing Chicago live on Broadway. But it is a much better translation than I ever dreamed possible. I think the reason Chicago is a sucess unlike any other movie musical the past thirty years is that it was written and directed by men who truly understand and appreciate musical theater. Miramax was smart for taking a chance on an unknown film director but successful stage choreographer/director.
I hate that songs are missing, but I really think this is the best possible film adaptation. My wish is that will reissue the DVD with a filmed stage version on a secone disc. I wonder if there would be enough interest to merit the financial cost of taping the current revival. If they did it, I'd love to see Chita take on Roxie opposite Bebe as Velma.
CZJ is like the prettiest woman I have ever seen in my life. I am no lesbian, but dear god, I would totally become one if she asked me. She is stunningly gorgeous in that movie.
That court room scene? Holy lord.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/10/04
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/12/04
Kyle33: Having Chita as Roxie opposite Bebe's Velma would be a DREAMCAST!!! I saw Chita play Roxie in the London production of CHICAGO and she was (and still is) simply the BEST Roxie EVER! And Bebe's Velma... fantastic!
As for the movie, it was excellent! But the stage version in just so much better. For some reason a big part of the wit and cynicism and sarcasm that's there in the stage version was lost in the movie. But still the movie was very good.
I will always maintain that the film is an improvement upon the stage revival.
Featured Actor Joined: 2/14/05
I've seen the movie and want to see the stage version. I was curious what the major dfferences were between the two. I love the soundtrack from the movie.
the thread original's intention was about chicago THE MOVIE. and if there were any fans of THE MOVIE. why must everything become a stage vs. movie, bad vs. good, better vs. worst thread.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/24/05
i really like the movie! im a fan i bout the soundtrack and then bout the DVD the day it came out. Its the best having friends to rock out to all that jazz with. And I've like memorized the piano book. I really want to see the stage version
I'll also string along with Kyle. We were VERY lucky that Rob Marshall directed the movie. I can't be as enthusiastic about the revival, however. After all, it IS still a glorified concert staging and to see the show in its full glory is quite an experience.
I love the film.
I think they could have cast Roxie and Billy a bit better, though that really gave CZJ the oppurtunity to shine.
My favourite scene, with "They Both Reached For The Gun", was "Class".
I wish they didn't cut it...
Aww Marquise is that your puppy??
"Both Reached for the Gun" is my favorite part too. I don't know why so many other people say it's their favorite but then criticize the casting of Gere and Zellweger!
My sentiments exactly, Evelyn. Clearly, the entire cast works wonderful with one another, and each gives an amazing performance.
No one has mentioned him yet, but John C Reilly's Mister Cellophane just knocks my socks off everytime I see or hear it.
While it didn't deserve Best Picture, I loved "Chicago". It was fun, flashy, cynical, and just a great movie to watch whenever you're bored.
Zeta-Jones is great, and I would have rather seen Hugh Jackman play Billy Flynn (though Gere acts the part beautifully). Zellweger, for me, steals the show. I will never understand why her work is so disliked here.
Jackman was and is way too young for that role. Billy is a lawyer that has been around the block a few times, and knows all the ins and outs. Older men are the only guys who should be playing Billy.
The casting of younger men and backstreet boys is stupid, and doesnt work.
I completely understand that notion, but if Brent Barrett, Billy Zane, and many others can do it (to great acclaim), then I believe that he can too.
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