Soundtrack isn't quite up for parole

One often foolishly hopes that the movie version of a popular Broadway musical will re-create that Broadway experience, replacing a beautiful old theater with a fifteen-screen multiplex with stadium seating and a bag of popcorn that costs more than a good martini. Still, people are better off seeing the movie, for the disc lacks everything the movie has: glorious production-numbers, Fosse-inspired, sexy dance sequences and Lucy Liu. Is there anything worth expressing acclamation over? Why certainly. There's Queen Latifah, who's never sounded so sexy crooning and belting to her heart's content. There's also a fabulous heart-felt, albeit pathetic performance by John C. Reilly as murderess Roxie Hart's tool of a husband. Finally there is a new big-band duet featuring the films two leading ladies, used during the film's end credits. The track, "I Move On," was scribed by the Broadway show's original composer and lyricist, John Kander and Fred Ebb, respectively. In addition to "Move On," there are three other tracks not in the movie, one was a much-missed, thank-God-it's-here duet between Matron Mama and Velma. The other two are dreadfully unnecessary, including a rapping rendition of "Cell Block Tango" with Latifah and Lil' Kim.