‘The Nine Lives of Christmas’ is One Fun Meet Cute Romance

November 8, 2014 Rissi JC 9 Comments

Even with all the cozy comforts of the familiar, the 2014 Countdown to Christmas has gotten off to a rousing good start. Last weekend started it all rolling with the bright captivity of One Starry Christmas and this weekend with not one but two all new original movies, including The Nine Lives of Christmas.

The Nine Lives of Christmas (2014) Hallmark Review

nine lives of christmas

Zach (Brandon Routh) may be a hero, but he isn’t exactly the happy ending kind of guy. His girlfriend (Chelsea Hobbs) is the spoiled daughter of a pet store owner, who though beautiful is a shallow woman, and not exactly “the one.” Then there is Marilee (Kimberley Sustad). She’s a ragged veterinary student, whose friends and sister make it their mission to find for her the perfect man. 

When her path coincidentally continues to cross with Zach, Marilee may discover, her ideal match is not all that far away.

LIST | Best Hallmark Christmas Romances of the Last Ten

What I saw of this movie is absolutely darling. In comparison to some of its peers, the writing is really quite good with some great moments of dialogue between Zach and Marilee (primarily the scene when they first meet – like, how cute is this moment – which is appropriately awkward) and the sweet way Zach talks about his impressions of Marilee then there are the fun scenes of Zach at the firehouse where he manages to get some much-needed counsel from his captain (played by familiar face, Gregory Harrison). 

Just to be upfront, I will say I did not see this film in its entirety due to some skipping (by choice) coupled with some minor technical issues, however I am comfortable with my review. Needless to say, this is one package any avid Christmas movie fan will enjoy discovering. The characters themselves seem fresh (perhaps because of the newbie Hallmark faces playing them; they give something “new” to the story) and I like them all the more for this. 

TV MOVIE REVIEW | Hearts of Christmas (2016) – Emotional with a Heartwarming Romance

What I also so like about this one is that the leading couple become room mates. Normally this is a trope Hallmark stays clear of, but it works for this script and offers a fresh kind of energy to the chemistry and banter. One of the movies I didn’t expect to enjoy as well as some of the others I was eyeing, ‘Nine Lives’ definitely surprises me. Don’t miss it – really, it’s the purr-fect, cozy kind of flick. (Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.)


I’ll leave off with this bit of dialogue from Zach and Marilee’s meet-cute. (If you guys know what movie that last phrase is from, you’re awesome.)

  “What kind of cat do you have?”

“Uh… well, he’s sort of orange-ish. With stripes.” 

“That’s a very rare breed.”

(Disclosure: this post does contain affiliate links; if you buy anything through these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you to anyone who makes a purchase through these links. Read the disclosure page for details.)

You can find The Nine Lives of Christmas on DVD or digitally, on Amazon Video.

‘The Nine Lives of Christmas’ is One Fun Meet Cute Romance. Review of the 2014 Countdown to Christmas romance with Brandon Routh. Have you seen this darling #romance? #Hallmarkies #CleanRomance Click To Tweet
‘The Nine Lives of Christmas’ is One Fun Meet Cute Romance. Review of the 2014 Countdown to Christmas romance with Brandon Routh. Text © Rissi JC

Photos: Hallmark Channel.com

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

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9 Comments

  • Hannah Barta November 9, 2014 at 9:59 PM

    Oh good, you did see it! I absolutely adored this. I don't think I've ever liked a Hallmark movie this much–not even The Christmas Card, which is, I think, the ONLY Hallmark movie we have on DVD at our house :)

    walking in the air.

    • Rissi November 10, 2014 at 5:44 PM

      That's awesome, Hannah! I have a TON of Hallmark DVD's at my house though I totally "get" they're sappy in terms of production, still, if you can't enjoy these at the holiday, what can you!? ;) I heart Christmas Card (as well as this one – it was so cute) along with several of the Hallmark Hall of Fame titles, which are often a step better than these in terms of production. :)

  • Becky Ritta November 11, 2014 at 9:36 PM

    Oh my goodness, I LOVED this one! I was a little nervous because sometimes the animal movies don't come off so well (see: My Boyfriends' Dogs). I think this one succeeded because the cats were a part of the story but not the focus. It's one of my new favorites (and I do love me some Hallmark movies!), and I'm thrilled that they're releasing it on DVD right away. I agree with you on the writing–it's a step above the normal Hallmark fare.

    • Rissi November 12, 2014 at 1:17 AM

      Well said, Becky – I'm not usually a big fan of stories that prominently feature animals either, like you said My Boyfriend's Dogs or really my least favorite kind are live action films with talking animals. Yeah, not a favorite. Glad you liked this one too – and YES! I'm eager to snatch a copy on DVD too. :)

  • […] Sam and her play off each other well, and we get to see the familiar face of Kimberley Sustad (Nine Lives of Christmas) and Jeremy Guilbaut (My Boyfriends […]

  • […] Nonetheless, this film is wonderful. The construction of Jenny and Matt’s relationship is genuine as are the people in their lives. I liked Jenny’s relationship with her parents and her co-worker/roommate who is played by Signed, Sealed, Delivered alum Crystal Lowe. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention Matt’s sister, who is not only another wonderful character, but will be recognizable to those who love Hallmark from The Nine Lives of Christmas. […]

  • […] 6: The Nine Lives of Christmas (2014) […]

  • […] TV films, you’ll recognize the familiar faces. From Chelsea Hobbs (Make it or Break It, Nine Lives of Christmas) to Christopher Russell (lots of Hallmark movies to his credit), and even Donna Benedicto, the […]

  • […] and sweet way to spend an evening. Just as she is way back in her first leading role on Hallmark (The Nine Lives of Christmas), Sustad is charming as Annie. She and Campbell not only conceptualized this story together, they […]

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