The Genius of Fred Ebb "Chicago" won the Oscar for Best Picture; this was the first time since the sixties that a movie musical took home top prize. (The first time since "Oliver!" -- a really weird choice.) Critics have said that "Chicago" is not as strong as another movie musical that emerged a few years later--"Hairspray." And yet "Hairspray" didn't get the Oscar-love that "Chicago" had attracted. Maybe this is related to the Academy's general anti-comedy prejudice. I really like "Chicago." I like the fabulous sets and costumes, and I like the chemistry between Renee Zellweger and her frenemy, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Zellweger is Roxie Hart, who murders her lover, then tries to turn the crime into a media opportunity. Zeta-Jones is a rival, who once murdered *two* people, and who is struggling to keep her own celebrity alive. The two dismiss each other, plead with each other, attempt to work with each other,...