Again, a personal favorite. The music is something that has to be heard at least once in your life, and the vocalists in this movie are especially talented. I never knew John C. Reilly could sing before watching this!! However, there isn't much to say for the morality promoted in this film. It definitely has a lot to do with corruption in the legal system of the time period and the anything-goes morality, but...I guess it could open up a lot of room for discussion?
Chicago
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Oscar-winning satire all about the razzle-dazzle.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Chicago was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that this Academy Award winner has some strong language and sexual references and situations, briefly explicit. A possible pregnancy by a lover is an element of the plot. All characters are amoral, even sleazy in this satire. Lots and lots of smoking. The "merry murderesses" discuss their killings without remorse. The one innocent character is hanged, shown in shadow.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the rocky relationship between Velma and Roxy. Why do they agree to work together in the end? They can also discuss the movie's portrayal of the press as marionettes controlled by the slimy lawyer. Do you think the press are savvier today or not? Are there still people today that would do anything for fame and recognition?
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More on Chicago
What’s the Story?
In CHICAGO, Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) is a former chorus girl turned unhappy wife who has gone from sleeping around ("they buy you dinner") to fooling around ("they don't"). She has an affair with a furniture salesman who promises to introduce her to a guy who works in a nightclub. She wants to be a star. But when the guy dumps her and tells her he never knew anyone at the nightclub, she shoots him. In jail, she meets a cadre of women who killed the men in their lives. They explain how it all happened in "He Had It Coming." Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta Jones) is a headliner who shot her sister and boyfriend when she found them together. She is the jail's biggest star until lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere) takes Roxie's case and sells her to the media as an innocent bride corrupted by jazz. The ultimate showbiz razzle-dazzle is the trial, complete with costumes, props, script, and 12 very important audience members -- the jury.
Is It Any Good?
Director/choreographer Rob Marshall produces slinky dance numbers and sinuous camera work. The musical numbers are staged as nightclub performances and separate from the action to serve as counterpoint and commentary, illuminating the story and underscoring the theme of show over substance. Perhaps it is show instead of substance, or even show to make us forget that there is no substance. One reason it feels so empty at the core is that the story does not have a single likeable character, honest statement, unselfish motive, or generous gesture.
But the razzle does indeed dazzle and the musical numbers are sensational. Zellweger is in fine form. If she is not quite up to the role, perhaps she doesn't have it in her to portray such a trashy, despicable character. Zeta Jones, with a Lulu haircut and legs made for sparkly tights, is mesmerizingly beautiful and alone has all the razzle-dazzle this movie needs. Gere clearly enjoys his return to his musical theater roots and handles the musical numbers well, especially his big tap dance. Queen Latifah as the prison warden has a lot of snap and verve and a fabulous voice. But none are a match for the real dancers in the chorus.
Movie Details
Studio: Miramax, Director: Rob Marshall
Run time: 113 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/27/2002, DVD release: 8/19/2003
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and dialogue, violence and thematic elements
Run time: 113 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/27/2002, DVD release: 8/19/2003
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and dialogue, violence and thematic elements
Our Members Say
See 19 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
Must see!!
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I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
A Bit Strong, But Fantastic
This Musical is a great, but dark, portrayal of murder, fame and 1920s Chicago. Very good and not too adult - the biggest concern would have to be the swearing/adult themes
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Kids ages: 2, 5
I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give itGreat for older teens. Violence and sexuality a bit heavy for anyone under 16
Great way to scare the teenage girls with the scenes of jail life. Good movie to display to teeneagers that woman criminals aren't any different than male criminal. A criminal is a criminal and murder is murder. Queen Latifah's performance and Richard Geere's dancing were worth the watch alone. Great musical - well done.
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Good for mature kids, but not for young kids.
I think the acting and music is incredible, but the innuendo and amoral satire is not good for younger kids.
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Good for 12 and up; Some racey content
I Liked this movie, but it has some content that's for older kids, because some will not appercaite it. It has some amoral satire and sexual innuendo that's not apporaite for young kids. The acting and singing is incredible in this movie!
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