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
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.
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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.
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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.”
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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
Photos: Hallmark Channel.com
9 Comments
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.
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. :)
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.
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. :)
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