Chicago is a technical marvel that won Best Picture for good reason—the choreography slaps, the performances are committed, and it's one of the few successful movie musicals of its era. But let's be clear: this is an adult musical about terrible people doing terrible things and facing zero consequences.

The whole point is cynicism. Justice is a joke, fame is everything, and murder is just another stepping stone to celebrity. That's sharp social commentary, sure, but it's not exactly wholesome family viewing. The sexual content is more explicit than you'd expect from PG-13, and the violence, while stylized, is still people shooting each other.

For older teens (14+) who can handle mature themes and appreciate satire? It's genuinely great. For musical theater kids especially, this is essential viewing. But this isn't a "family movie night" pick unless your family is cool with murderers as protagonists and 'Cell Block Tango' levels of innuendo.

Still holds up well over 20 years later—the media manipulation themes are even more relevant now. Just know what you're getting into.