The Nine Lives of Christmas

A rare review of content is needed here, as I recently converted yet another nay-saying friend to the cult-following of "Superman Gets A Cat", one my favorite Christmas romance-comedies and one of my favorite Christmas movies overall. I love it so much, I watch it throughout the year, whenever I'm hit by a crummy day. For clarity, this film was not, originally, intended to capitalize on the acting history of its male lead. That came later, when Brandon Routh, of Superman Returns, was cast to play the somewhat uncertain, somewhat shy, gorgeous, firefighting-hero, who somehow manages to get any woman he wants and hates taking credit for being amazing. The similarities with the Clark Kent personality, alter-ego of Superman, began to show rather quickly and the direction of the film took a bit of a turn.In "The Nine Lives of Christmas", a man who has never trusted in loving for a lifetime, owing to his parents, finds himself in yet another pointless relationship with a model and, in spite of routinely saving people from burning buildings, remains unable to see the saving of his own future. He presumes he will never be monogamous or truly happy. He moves from home to home, fixing up and selling, the quiet hero, in the background. This is where we find him at the beginning of the story when, you guessed it, a cat enters the picture.One day, a perfect little cat named Ambrose wanders into Superman's life and refuses to leave. As this is a Hallmark romance, this sets our lead on a course of falling in love, first with his cat and second with the future-veterinarian who will care for him, and for the bigger him, the man himself, if only Superman can open up and let her in. Well, her and her little furball of joy, a beautiful little bundle of fluff named Queenie. The beautiful woman, similarly shy and unassuming, kind-hearted and basically perfect in every way, played by Kimberley Sustad, is the perfect foil, not only for the character Routh was originally meant to be playing but for the character our wily director, Mark Jean, pushed him to be.I'll never know when or how these little decisions were made, as I was not present on set. However, it is clear, in watching the film, that the director saw potential in a variety of Clark Kent moments. Our lead runs up stairs and rides around in a fire truck and leaps to greats heights. He has a habit of hearing things people say under their breath, sometimes not so under, and he is always there to step in and catch whatever is falling or rolling toward an innocent victim.As a result of directorial brilliance, Routh, who is generally tasked with playing harder dramatic roles or the occasional comedic role where comedy eliminates any opportunity for depth, this film contains a performance balancing comedic impulse and dramatic range, without ever making you uncomfortable or forcing you to watch a grown man cry. His interactions with his little cat, Ambrose, are authentic and believable on every level.Alongside this crafted, Clark-Kent-esque hero, Sustad is as perfect as she ever is but, moreover, adds that needed closeness between a woman, who loves animals so much she has devoted her life to them, and Queenie, who is so very often in her mommy's arms. Fortunately for all us watching, in contrast to the typical sidelining of Sustad, as a secondary character, sister or best friend, we get to see her shine as the lead. And lead she does, brilliantly. These two actors play off of each other with ease and the result is a believable chemistry rivaling the best couple-pairings Hallmark has given us over the years.I won't spoil it for you, as if you can't figure out where this one is going all on your own. What I will say is, with the exception of the film simply not being long enough, as it is a tele-film, this one is just about the best you can find when it comes to Hallmarks line of Romantic Comedies and, if you are a cat lover, it is just candy. The two cats, of course, fall in love as well, and light up the screen every time they are seen.I can't recommend this film highly enough. Life is hard. Life is complicated. Life is often no fun. We all have those moments when we just need something light and fun, but not so light as to be pointless or so fun as to feel unreal, and this film offers just that. Hallmark's casting was excellent. The director's little Superman nods and use of the actor in the role of the hero was inspired and really does make the film that much better. The female lead was equal to the task and, at times, seemed to be looking more at Superman than the firefighter she was actually speaking to."Superman Gets A Cat" aka "The Nine Lives of Christmas" was an instant hit in our home. We have never stopped referencing it or trying to get people we know to give it a chance and no one has ever failed to like it. Most love it very nearly as much as I do. There is just something about this film that makes it special and well worth repeated viewings. I hope, if you give this one a chance, you will enjoy it as much as I do.As to quality, the DVD is an excellent example for that format. The digital version, available here, is the official Hallmark transfer, the same as the DVD, when viewed in SD, and the same as the HD televised version, when viewed in HD. The sound is excellent, crisp and clear, to allow for some lovely meows. Merry Christmas. It will feel like it, every time you watch it.Good luck finding a film to lift your spirits. I really think this one gets it done.

This is such a cute Christmas movie with brown eyes. It's my mom's go to comfort movie, it's funny and the actors have great chemistry.

really liked

It's strange that Hallmark seems to have two distinct personalities. One side is sickeningly sappy, and the other side exactly hits the perfect spot to be a great great movie. I don't see any of their movies that are in the middle. You can usually tell immediately which one is which when you start watching. This one is one of the great ones. The two characters are perfect..., shy and hopeful to find love, but insecure about it. I didn't like this guy as Superman at all, but in this he is great. I've seen it about 6 or 7 times, and have to try not to cry at the happy ending! Overall it's one of my favorites. One big shocker was the price. I bought it last year and I think it was like $15. This year it is showing at $97 ..... !!!! Is that decimal in the wrong spot??? I would never pay $97 for any single DVD even if it was plated in solid gold. I don't understand the crazy price! If it ever goes back down to normal I would absolutely recommend it!

This is my favorite Hallmark movie. Im not even a cat lover because I'm allergic to them. I did think Ambrose the cat was very adorable and smart. I wish they would make a sequel to it. The characters have likeable personalities and more realistic than in most of Hallmark movies and there isn't a wedding in it. I'm very tired of Hallmark movies revolving around a fancy wedding where the focus of the movie is all about planning the perfect wedding instead of the relationship of the couple. It's about a couple taking things slow getting to know each other before committing to each other. They do have good chemistry. It's realistic that they struggle with fears and anxiety over starting a new serious relationship, dealing with their friends, co-workers and relatives all trying to get in the middle of it, giving them advice some of it good, some bad. They have middle class jobs (Pet supply clerk/veterinary student and a fireman). The guy isn't a stepford type smiley handsome rich man who treats the girl like a princess because she's pretty the entire movie trying to win her over with grand gestures. The girl is not a priss. I like Hallmark movies because they have happy endings. I like seeing the girl end up with a nice guy but I don't want him so nice it's unbelievable and Im thinking to myself the entire movie that the guy actor in the movie is thinking he is being made to act like a mindless sap and I'm feeling sorry for him as an actor. Most little girls dream of Prince Charming and a fairy tale wedding but then we grow up and want a man with a little depth,edge,spunk and humour to him not just there to adore and agree with them 24/7 which is boring. Sometimes though a movie doesn't have a big budget, elaborate sets noteworthy performances and scripts you can just admit for some reason you enjoy it more than other movies that do. Some movies are just meant to be simply enjoyed more than critiqued.

Wanted

It’s so cute of a movie!!! Even got the sequel!!

I loved this movie. I watch it at Christmastime every year. Has decent acting, a decent story, interesting lead characters and if you are a cat lover, you will appreciate it all the more. It moves along at a nice clip, and does not disappoint in any way. I highly recommend it.

Upliftig happy film

I bought this back in 2019 when I saw it came out on DVD. It's such a delightful story that I actually bought the book it is based on. Interesting 'tho, because the book is written from the cat's viewpoint. Smart cat :-) It's an annual holiday watch for me. I see that the sequel Nine Kittens of Christmas is out on DVD. I certainly will buy that one too.

Every Christmas there's at least one new chick flick that really does an outstanding job (and a whole bunch that aren't nearly as good), and this is one of the really, really good ones. I've said in other reviews that what makes or breaks the Christmas feel-good romantic chick flick for me is the strength of the cast and their chemistry. This movie was absolutely entertaining from beginning to end and I loved seeing the actors on screen together. I laughed out loud more than once, I felt the charm of the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, I loved the supporting characters (and the cats), and I really liked Marilee and Zachary. I never felt liked their scenes together were forced. Marilee was adorable without being annoying and Zachary you just can't help but love.Plot summary: Zachary is a bachelor firefighter who doesn't believe in love. He has dated countless beautiful women but always runs as soon as things look too serious. Marilee is a veterinary student who works in a pet supply store and has no time for love or relationships until she has graduated and established her own practice (despite the best efforts of her friends and her sister to find someone for her). When Zachary rescues a stray cat from a dog, the cat decides to adopt Zachary, and that eventually leads him to Marilee. Despite the fact that they are both adamant about not wanting a serious relationship, they are drawn to each other and find what neither of them was looking for.This movie is funny, charming, heartwarming, sweet, and sigh-worthy. It was even better the second time I watched it.

One of my favourite Christmas movies now! My husband also loved it.

It's Ok movie but I have to say Halmark movies are becoming let get another one out there don't worry about the script or the store or acting.I am a big fan of Xmas Movies but can't say for whats been coming out in the last few years.I bought this movie because of the actors. This movie is about a single girl who is trying to get her degree in animal doctor. A fireman who does not want to get married or take thing to the next step met this girl helps he out when she get kicked out of the house for having a cat. The fireman lets her stay in his home the two spend more time together but her does not want to date the two find that they are falling in love and everything turn out fine. To me the movie is just Ok I have seen much better movies by Hallmark so this sticks to what I believe it is worth.