NINE 3.5**** (almost 4.0****)
Nine” is a knock-out. “Nine” is almost a 10 and is better than “81/2”. “Nine” is one of a kind. “Nine” is like a fine wine. So you ask, what is this “Nine” . Well it is another musical extravaganza from the very talented Rob Marshall who brought us “Chicago..the one where he taught and directed Catherine-Zeta Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gerr to sign and dance. In “Nine” he repeats the phenomena by teaching Daniel Day Lewis and a bevy of beauties to sing and dance..and what a bevy we have: Sophia Loren, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Judith Dench, Kate Hudson and Nancy Ferguson.
The story is set during the mid-to late sixties in Italy and the focus is on a famous but fading movie writer-director who is struggling with his 9th movie. The major problem being he has not written the script yet and they are 10 days from starting the movie. All the wonderful actresses play characters with strong connections to him that are primarily revealed in terrific musical production numbers. Let me tell you, these ladies look gorgeous, can sing like all get-out, and Kate Hudson and Fergie can dance up a storm (Kate Hudson’s feisty go-go-type dance number was rehearsed for 6 weeks and took 2 days to shot..but WOW what a number).
I really enjoyed this film. It was a visual feast and an energetic knee-slapper. Rob Marshall is a magician when it come to inspiring non-musical actors/actresses to achieve musical triumphs. He has also become the master of capturing on the screen the verve and excitement of a stage production, which “Nine” was in the 80s..in fact, a Tony Award winner.

I say BRAVO, BRAVO !!!!!

Clark

NOTE: This has a PG-13 rating and is okay for teens on up but is primarily an adult film because of the sexual content ..nothing very overt but an overriding element in the movie.