THE NINE LIVES OF CHRISTMAS – With Christmas approaching, a handsome fireman afraid of commitment adopts a stray cat and meets a beautiful veterinary student who challenges his decision to remain a confirmed bachelor.
I am so pleased to be able to review one of the new Hallmark Christmas films. I saw this when it first aired about a week ago, and I knew I would love it. After all, I’m a cat lover who in enraptured with Christmas. I call that the best of both worlds. And the fact that this is based upon a novel generally means it is a cut above the rest.
My Review:
The moment I saw the promo for this movie on Hallmark, I knew it was intended for me. I knew nothing of any of the actors, and I didn’t even know the story. Frankly, all I cared about were the cats. At one time, we had about seventeen or eighteen cats in this family, but we now only have seven. Needless to say, I do have an affinity for cats.
From the beginning of the film, I knew this was going to be an adorable story. I do not recall ever having seen either of the main actors. But Brandon Routh and Kimberly Sustad play the perfect cat-loving couple. Whenever you see this couple on-screen, there is no doubt that we know they belong together no matter their protestations. The chemistry and humor scenes shared between them is downright entertaining.
I have to admit that as much as I admire this couple, the cats stole the show! I am always amazed when I see cats in movies. How on earth do they train these cats? This cat was so funny and cuddly as he followed his adopted owner home and insisted on staying. And I treasured seeing this cat wag his tail. I notice that because I disagree that cats are unhappy when they wag their tails, and I think this movie demonstrates that I was right. (If you’re an animal expert and wish to disagree, that is fine. Just speaking from my experience.)
And this cat is absolutely gorgeous! If only I could train one of my cats to act like this, I would potentially be a wealthy woman. And when you see these cats together, you know they are the best of friends. How on earth did they get those cats go do that? Yes, I am most fascinated by the cats in this film!
But lest we forget the stars, I cherish the scenes in which Hallmark has inserted them. When Zachary (Brandon Routh) sticks up for Marilee (Kimberley Sustad), my esteem for him multiplied several times over. And you can count on this being a clean film. Hallmark has mastered the technique of having the characters living together without living together (Confused? No spoilers from me). Oh, and the mistletoe scene tells you everything you need to know.
I highly recommend this film–an instant holiday classic.
For more information on this film, click here.
If you wish to purchase the film, check out your local Walmart or click here.