All That Jazz

This film is a lot like 8½, and I do mean A LOT. Hell yeah. It's completely self-absorbed, over the top, and awesome. It's like... the dancing is, like, a metaphor for life, man. All right, that's not the most original idea on the block, but it makes for excellent and intelligent entertainment.

Highly enjoyable and one of the best musicals I've ever seen. Roy Scheider was amazing in the lead, great performance. I love how it didn't take itself too seriously and was constantly poking fun of every situation and thing that happens. It was also nice to hear voices that were less than perfect and see people with some body fat and women with *gasp* real breasts. Nothing seems to be too polished and that is one of the reasons why it works so well.

Feature-length confession of self-abuse and philandering rendered enjoyable by the playful tone and inventive direction. The script is honest and witty, with some great lines. Scheiders self-depreciating charm is a joy and late vulnerability impressive. The direction is sharp, the crisp cutting sequences and 'zone-out' scene especially notable. Musical and dance numbers are lively and enjoyable, but the last was a big letdown, diminishing some of the finale's impact.

There is no glamour in a self-indulgent "creative process" and there's no allure to self-destructive tendencies. A far less optimistic 8 1/2, but far more realistic and honest as well. Roy Scheider is fantastic. The ending even more so.

Self-indulgent, sure, but so is Fellini, and--like Fellini--Fosse has an interesting self to indulge. It may not be the equal of "8 1/2," but the girls are just as beautiful and the dancing and production numbers are great. Also, this may just be Scheider's best performance.