DVD Review: The Nine Lives of Christmas

The Nine Lives of Christmas
based on the novel by Sheila Roberts (Hoopla Movies)

 

Every once in a while, all the elements click to make something even more special than it has any right to be. This was the case with The Nine Lives of Christmas, starring Brandon Routh and Kimberly Sustad — a 2014 Hallmark Christmas movie. Routh had not really appeared in many of the “romantic comedy” films like Hallmark’s holiday fare, and at that time was perhaps best known for portraying Clark Kent/Superman in 2006’s Superman Returns (although he’s appeared in a lot of things since then). Sustad was a frequent face in Hallmark movies (and in more recent years has even written or co-written some of them).

 

Routh plays Zachary Stone, a single firefighter (mocked by his co-workers for being featured in a “fireman calendar” as a beefcake entry). Sustad plays Marilee White, a pet store employee and cat-loving veterinary student. Zach is adopted by a stray cat, and in a series of coincidental meetings, he and Marilee become friendly discussing their respective felines — Ambrose for him and Queenie for her. When Zach’s jealous girlfriend gets Marilee fired from her pet store job when Marilee won’t tolerate her abusive behavior, Zach (feeling guilty) invites Marilee to stay in the house he’s renovating (and living in), while she gets back on her feet. Increased familiarity leads to a quietly-brewing romance.

 

The chemistry between Sustad and Routh is perfect. There are a lot of little misunderstandings that lead to drama. The cats are both adorable. Gregory Harrison is terrific as Zach’s boss at the fire station. And the viewer can’t help but root for a happy ending for these two cat lovers. The “Christmas” elements of this one are present but are very minimal. The Nine Lives of Christmas shows up on a lot of Hallmark fans’ “favorites” lists.

 

Note: Sustad and Routh reunited seven years later in 2021 for a sequel, The Nine Kittens of Christmas, which was notably inferior to this first film.

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the sequel The Nine Kittens of Christmas.)

 

(Also available: the novel on which this film was based.)

 

( Internet Movie Database entry for this film ) | ( official The Nine Lives of Christmas web site )

 

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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