Chicago
i’m giving chicago a solid 4.5/5. it’s 2024 and rewatching rob marshall’s oscar-winner just proves that musicals can actually have some serious 'balls.' this isn't just jazz and glitter; it’s a high-intensity, cynical look at fame and the justice system that feels way ahead of its time.
the cast is an absolute flex. catherine zeta-jones as velma kelly is peak—she brings this cold, elite energy that makes her a total icon. then you have renée zellweger as roxie hart, who nails that desperate, 'main character' energy of someone who’d literally kill for a headline. but richard gere as the sleazy lawyer billy flynn is the real mvp; his tap-dancing through a trial is a total masterclass in manipulation.
the visuals and editing are the biggest flex of all. the way the movie cuts between the grimy reality of jail and the vibrant stage performances in roxie’s head is pure cinematic gold. it makes the pacing fast and loud, and the 'cell block tango' is easily the sickest musical sequence ever put on film. the soundtrack by kander and ebb is just non-stop bangers that actually move the plot forward.
the only reason it’s not a perfect 5 is that gere’s singing can be a bit 'mid' compared to the powerhouses like queen latifah, who completely owns the screen as matron mama morton. also, the satire of the legal system is so dark it might leave some people wanting a bit more 'heart'—but for me, the cynicism is the point.
overall, it’s a bold, stylish, and viscerally entertaining ride. it’s pure 'killer' energy and a total 9/10 classic. if you think you're 'too cool' for musicals in 2026, watch this and think again