With the draft winding down I've gotta make my last picks count.
So I need a movie with a creative plot, memorable music, sharp comedy
... and All That Jazz
Chicago - 2002
There's a great ensamble cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones is perfect as Grace Kelly, Richard Gere works well as the quick-witted, cold, calculated showman Billy Flynn, even Renee Zellweger in her typical doe-eyed, 14-year-old-esque squeaky and annoying self is ideal for the role of Roxy Hart - a main character you're supposed to paradoxically like and dislike at the same time.
Plus Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly and Taye Diggs add some depth to the supporting chracters (Even if Diggs is little more than an announcer)
There's also a little social commentary about crime, the press, celebrity and fame, but the movie covers up any attempt at pretension by making fun of itself with sly humor and over the top sets and situations.
Of course, what stands out most is the music, with its signature All That Jazz, and additionally: Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, When You're Good To Mama, Mr. Cellophane, the list goes on.
But unlike other musicals, which have people inexplicably breakout into song and dance, Chicago actually explains it all with the overactive and child-like imagination and borderline insanity of Roxy.
Glad my island's now a whoopee spot
Where the gin is cold, but the piano's hot
. Anyway, after checking over my list, I need to add some comedy.
