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{{short description|American-Canadian romantic comedy film}}
{{Short description|American-Canadian romantic comedy film}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| name = The Nine Lives of Christmas
| image = Cover_art,_movie_The_Nine_Lives_of_Christmas.jpg
⚫
| image_alt =
| image = Cover_art,_movie_The_Nine_Lives_of_Christmas.jpg
| image_alt =
| caption = Official poster
| caption = Official poster
| genre =
| genre =
| creator =
| creator =
| based_on = The Nine Lives of Christmas
| based_on = The Nine Lives of Christmas
| writer = [[Sheila Roberts]]
| writer = [[Sheila Roberts]]
| screenplay = Nancey Silvers
| screenplay = Nancey Silvers
| story = Sheila Roberts
| story = {{Plainlist|
| director = Mark Jean
⚫
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* Sheila Roberts
}}
⚫
| director = Mark Jean
⚫
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Brandon Routh]]
* [[Brandon Routh]]
* Kimberley Sustad
* [[Kimberley Sustad]]
* [[Gregory Harrison]]
* [[Gregory Harrison]]
* [[Chelsea Hobbs]]
* [[Chelsea Hobbs]]
* [[Stephanie Bennett (actress)|Stephanie Bennett]]
* [[Stephanie Bennett (actress)|Stephanie Bennett]]
}}
}}
| narrated =
| narrated =
| music = Lawrence Shragge
| music = Lawrence Shragge
| country =
| country =
| language = English
| language = English
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* Ted Bauman
* Ted Bauman
* Jim Head
* Jim Head
* Fernando Szew
* Fernando Szew
}}
}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
| producer = Ted Bauman
⚫
| editor = James Ilecic
* Ted Bauman
| cinematography = Thomas Harting
}}
| editor = James Ilecic
| runtime = 86 minutes
| cinematography = Thomas Harting
| company = Hallmark
| runtime = 86 minutes
| budget =
| company = {{Plainlist|
| network = [[Hallmark Channel (international)|Hallmark]]
⚫
| released = {{Start date|2014|11|08}}
* Hallmark
}}
| distributor = [[Hallmark Channel (international)|Hallmark]]
⚫
| budget =
| network = [[Hallmark Channel (international)|Hallmark]]
⚫
| released = {{Film date|2014|11|8|TV=y}}
| website =
}}
}}
'''''The Nine Lives of Christmas''''' is a 2014 American [[television film|made-for-television]] [[romance film|romantic comedy film]] and [[Hallmark Channel (international)|Hallmark Channel]] original movie, written by Nancy Silvers, based on the book by [[Sheila Roberts]]. Directed by Mark Jean, it stars [[Brandon Routh]] and Kimberely Sustad. The film premiered on 8 November 2014, on the Hallmark Channel.
'''''The Nine Lives of Christmas''''' is a 2014 American [[television film|made-for-television]] [[romance film|romantic comedy film]] and [[Hallmark Channel (international)|Hallmark Channel]] original movie, written by Nancy Silvers, based on the book by [[Sheila Roberts]]. Directed by Mark Jean, it stars [[Brandon Routh]] and [[Kimberley Sustad]]. The film premiered on November 8, 2014, on the Hallmark Channel.


==Plot==
==Plot==
As a fireman Zachary is always ready to help people, but since his parent's relationship was marked by conflict, he is opposed to commitments. He buys houses as an investment, fixes them up in his time off, dumps them and buys into his next project. Long-term commitments he avoids. He likes dating and has been seeing a model, but does not see how anyone could possibly know you are with someone you could commit to for life. Marilee has a very romantic view on things, even though it has not worked out that way for her. She is responsible and very capable. She is also the owner of a beautiful cat named Queenie, even though the apartment complex where she lives has a strict no pet policy. Working her way through veterinary school, she has promised herself not to get involved with anyone until she has started her career. Zach comes across a homeless cat named Ambrose who has been corned by a large dog. After he rescues the cat, the cat decides to move in with him, uninvited. Somehow the cats play a role in the two getting to know each other better.
As a fireman, Zachary is always ready to help people, but since his parents' relationship was marked by conflict, he is opposed to commitments. He buys houses as an investment, fixes them up in his time off, and uses the profit he earns from selling them to invest in more properties. He likes dating and has been dating a model, but does not see how anyone could possibly know you are with someone you could commit to for life.
Marilee has a very romantic view of life, even though it has not worked out that way for her. She is responsible and very capable. She is also the owner of a cat named Queenie, even though the apartment complex where she lives has a strict, no-pet policy. Working her way through veterinary school, she has promised herself not to get involved with anyone until she has started her career. Zach comes across a homeless cat named Ambrose who has been cornered by a large dog. After he rescues the cat, the cat decides to move in with him, uninvited. Somehow the cats play a role in the two getting to know each other better.


==Cast==
==Cast==
* [[Brandon Routh]] as Zachary Stone
* [[Brandon Routh]] as Zachary Stone
* Kimberley Sustad as Marilee White
* [[Kimberley Sustad]] as Marilee White
* [[Gregory Harrison]] as Chief Sam
* [[Gregory Harrison]] as Chief Sam
* [[Chelsea Hobbs]] as Blair
* [[Chelsea Hobbs]] as Blair
Line 63: Line 58:
* Giles Panton as Craig
* Giles Panton as Craig
* Jennifer Cheon Garcia as Sarah
* Jennifer Cheon Garcia as Sarah
* Marilyn Murray as Marilee's No-Pets Landlady


==Production==
==Production==
The project was filmed in [[Fort Langley]] in the [[Langley, British Columbia (district municipality)|Langley Township, British Columbia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3889642/|title=The Nine Lives of Christmas|work=IMDb|date=|accessdate=14 November 2021}}</ref> Sustad said that she believes much of what people found appealing about the film were the cats. "There’s this whole vibrant community of cat lovers… And I had this moment where I went: I think that movie might actually be more famous because of the cats than any of the actors… how cute those cats were and how the cats interacted."<ref name="Dwilson">{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/hallmark/the-nine-lives-of-christmas-sequel/|last=Dwilson|first=Stephanie|title=‘The Nine Lives of Christmas’ Is Getting a Sequel This Year|work=heavy.|date=17 August 2021|accessdate=10 November 2021}}</ref>
The film is based on the novel by the same name by Sheila Roberts.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Genzlinger|first=Neil|date=November 8, 2014|title=Grumpy Critic's earliest Christmas ever|work=Merced Sun-Star|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/706264649/?terms=%22Nine%20Lives%20of%20Christmas%22%20Routh%20Sheila%20Roberts&match=1}}</ref> Brandon Routh and Kimberly Sustad were chosen to portray the film's leads, and Jim Head and Ted Bauman served as executive producers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2014/07/09/brandon-routh-kimberley-sustad-and-gregory-harrison-star-in-the-nine-lives-of-christmas-a-hallmark-channel-original-movie-world-premiere-holiday-2014-477514/20140709hallmark08/|title=Brandon Routh, Kimberley Sustad and Gregory Harrison Star in ''The Nine Lives of Christmas'', A Hallmark Channel Original Movie World Premiere Holiday 2014|work=TheFutonCritic|date=July 9, 2014|accessdate=November 20, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Dwilson">{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/hallmark/the-nine-lives-of-christmas-sequel/|last=Dwilson|first=Stephanie|title='The Nine Lives of Christmas' Is Getting a Sequel This Year|work=heavy.|date=August 17, 2021|accessdate=November 10, 2021}}</ref> Sustad has stated that her favorite part of the film was the last scene, as she felt that it was "that ‘''[[Pretty Woman]]''’ moment".<ref name="Dwilson" />


==Release and reception==
The movie is based on the popular Christmas story by Sheila Roberts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvcheddar.com/ten-hallmark-christmas-movies-that-are-based-on-books/|title=Ten Hallmark movies that are based on books|work=TV Chedder|date=20 November 2021|accessdate=20 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christmastvhistory.com/2011/11/nine-lives-of-christmas-by-sheila.html|last=Wilson|first=Joanna|title=The Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila Roberts |work=Christmas TV History|date=16 November 2011|accessdate=11 November 2021}}</ref> Roberts had a small cameo performance in the film. Her novel provides a much stronger perspective from the point of view of the cat, Ambrose.<ref name="McMillan">{{cite web|url=https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250058881/theninelivesofchristmas|title=The Nine Lives of Christmas|work=McMillan Publishers|date=|accessdate=11 November 2021}}</ref> The project paralleled Crown Media's Pet Project. Said [[Michelle Vicary]], Executive Vice President of Programming at [[Crown Media Holdings|Crown Media Family Networks]]: "''The Nine Lives of Christmas'' is a perfect fit for Hallmark Channel, as it not only brings our viewers a special holiday story, but also embraces pet adoption, the foundation of the network's corporate initiative, Pet Project. As millions have fallen in love with Sheila Roberts' novel ''The Nine Lives of Christmas'', we couldn't be happier to partner with her to bring to life her beloved holiday book into a film that will resonate with our viewers."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2014/07/09/brandon-routh-kimberley-sustad-and-gregory-harrison-star-in-the-nine-lives-of-christmas-a-hallmark-channel-original-movie-world-premiere-holiday-2014-477514/20140709hallmark08/|title=Brandon Routh, Kimberley Sustad and Gregory Harrison Star in ''The Nine Lives of Christmas'', A Hallmark Channel Original Movie World Premiere Holiday 2014|work=TheFutonCritic|date=9 July 2014|accessdate=20 November 2021}}</ref>
The movie was well received by its audience. The premiere for ''The Nine Lives of Christmas'' on November 8, 2014, on [[Hallmark Channel (international)|Hallmark]] garnered 3.4 million total viewers and reached 4.9 unduplicated viewers, based on Nielsen Company ratings for November 3 – 9, 2014. For its premier weekend ''The Nine Lives of Christmas'' coupled with the nearly as well viewed ''A Cookie Cutter Christmas'' shown the following night made the Hallmark Channel the most watched network both among households and in the demographic group of women 25-54. In addition, the network was rated the second most viewed cable network overall during that period.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ratings - "Countdown to Christmas" Premieres Propel Hallmark Channel to Be the Most-Watched Cable Network of the Weekend Among Women 25-54 {{!}} TheFutonCritic.com|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2014/11/11/countdown-to-christmas-premieres-propel-hallmark-channel-to-be-the-most-watched-cable-network-of-the-weekend-among-women-25-54-274314/20141111hallmark01/|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=thefutoncritic.com}}</ref> The movie had been the channel's most viewed film of the year up to that date.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Skwarna|first=Naomi|date=December 11, 2021|title=Hallmark's trademark American Christmas movies? They're made in Canada|language=en-CA|work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/article-hallmarks-trademark-american-christmas-is-made-in-canada/|access-date=February 3, 2022}}</ref> Hallmark has shown the film every year since. Seven years after its premiere, reviewer Sarabeth Pollock of ''[[FanSided|Fansided]]'' noted it was still a fan favorite on many people's lists of holiday films to watch, confessing: "After all, there’s nothing better than the holidays, firemen, and cats."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://culturess.com/2021/07/09/hallmark-channel-nine-lives-christmas-synopsis-cast-trailer/|last=Pollock|first=Sarabeth|title=Hallmark Channel's The Nine Lives of Christmas: Synopsis, cast, trailer|work= Fansided|date=July 9, 2021|accessdate=November 18, 2021}}</ref>


Among critical reviewers the reception was more mixed. Being a Hallmark Christmas movie the story is confined within certain formulaic constraints. Oliver Buckley of ''Ready Steady Cut'' noted the plot was predictable and "schmaltzy, yes, but in a nice way." He went on to say he liked the cast, particularly the leads and the firehouse crew. "Brandon Routh is very watchable, and Susted is likeable and worked well with Routh and the cats." Overall he recommended the film, stating it was "actually quite a nice, relaxing watch".<ref name="Buckley">{{cite web|url=https://readysteadycut.com/2017/11/28/review-nine-lives-christmas/|last=Buckley|first=Oliver|title=The Nine Lives of Christmas|work=Ready Steady Cut|date=November 28, 2017|accessdate=February 7, 2022}}</ref> David Rapp, the senior Indie editor at ''[[Kirkus Reviews]]'' believed the movie's script was significantly better written then the book, and that actors Brandon Routh and Kimberely Sustad had infused their characters with considerably more interest then was present in the characters they were based upon. Rapp opined the Nancey Silvers screenplay offered a "master class" in how to write a good book adaptation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-features/articles/screener-nine-lives-christmas/|title=Screener: The Nine Lives of Christmas|last=Rapp|first=David|work=Kirkus Reviews|date=December 5, 2019|accessdate=November 14, 2021}}</ref> Blaire Erskine of ''The List'' rated the film among Hallmark's best holiday offerings.<ref name="Erskine">{{cite web |last=Erskine |first=Blaire |date=October 31, 2019 |title=Best and Worst Holiday Movies on the Hallmark Channel |url=https://www.thelist.com/172877/best-and-worst-holiday-movies-on-the-hallmark-channel/ |accessdate=November 14, 2021 |work=The List}}</ref> ''Parade'' magazine's Connie Wang listed ''The Nine Lives of Christmas'' as her "favorite Hallmark Channel holiday movie."<ref name="Wang">{{cite web|url=https://parade.com/1258828/klconniewang/hallmark-christmas-movies-2021-schedule/|last=Wang|first=Connie|title=Hallmark Channel's Complete Countdown to Christmas Schedule Is Here!|work=Parade|date=November 10, 2021|accessdate=November 14, 2021}}</ref> The film was also given a positive mention by ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Soto|first=Kaly|date=December 4, 2018|title=A Hallmark Christmas Fan Watches Netflix's Holiday Movies (Published 2018)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/04/movies/netflix-hallmark-christmas.html|access-date=November 11, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The film received particular attention from the [[Cat culture|cat lovers niche audience]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catingtonpost.com/the-top-5-christmas-movies-to-watch-with-your-cat/|last=Arnold|first=Brooke|title=The Top 5 Christmas Movies to Watch With Your Cat!|work=The Catington Post|date=December 3, 2020|accessdate=November 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://iheartcats.com/5-holiday-movies-featuring-cats/|last=Lotz|first=Kristina|title=5 Holiday Movies Featuring Cats|work=iheartcats.com|date= |accessdate=November 14, 2021}}</ref>
Sustad shared that her favorite moment in the film was the last scene. "It was so epic… She wants the ending. She wants the lion to climb up to the highest peak and declare his love for her. And then he does it. And I think it was so romantic. He climbed up to the height of that, all the way up the fire truck, and then he declared his love for me, and I just thought that was that ‘Pretty Woman’ moment, and I got to do that in one of my own movies... I loved that. It was full circle for me."<ref name="Dwilson"/>


==Release==
==Sequel==
[[File:The_Nine_Kittens_of_Christmas_cover_art.jpg|thumb|Official poster]]
The movie premiered on 8 November 2014 on [[Hallmark Channel (international)|Hallmark]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consciouscat.net/2014/11/07/nine-lives-christmas-premieres-hallmark-channel/|last=King|first=Ingrid|title=The Nine Lives of Christmas Premieres on Hallmark Channel|work=The Conscious Cat|date=7 November 2014|accessdate=14 November 2021}}</ref>
In 2021 Hallmark released a sequel to the film, titled ''The Nine Kittens of Christmas''.<ref name="Dwilson"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wang|first=K. L. Connie|date=November 24, 2021|title=Get a Sneak Peek to The Nine Kittens of Christmas, the Sequel to the Favorite Favorite Nine Lives of Christmas|url=https://parade.com/1298153/klconniewang/hallmark-movie-nine-kittens-of-christmas/|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=Parade|language=en}}</ref> Routh and Sustad reprised their roles from the earlier film. The story picks up seven years later, after both leads have pursued their careers and moved in different directions. Marilee has been practicing veterinary medicine in Florida, and returns home to Oregon for a family function. Still living his bachelor's life, Zachery is now a captain. Preparing to leave town for a ski vacation, he discovers someone has left a box of kittens at his firehouse. Surprised by finding Marilee has returned to her home town, the two fall into working together to place the kittens in homes. Both have matured in the years gone by, and wonder what life would have been if they had made different choices when they were younger. The sequel premiered on November 25, 2021.<ref name="heavy.com">{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/hallmark/nine-lives-of-christmas-sequel-kittens-premiere-date/|last=Dwilson|first=Stephanie|title=Premiere Date Quietly Revealed for 'The Nine Lives of Christmas' Sequel|work=heavy.|date=August 30, 2021|accessdate=November 10, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Wang"/> Approximately fifteen kittens were brought in to perform in the movie.<ref name=":0"/> Filming took place at [[Fort Langley]] in the [[Langley, British Columbia (district municipality)|Langley Township, British Columbia]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dwilson|first=Stephanie Dube|date=November 25, 2021|title=Where Was 'The Nine Kittens of Christmas' Filmed? See Cast Stories|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/hallmark/the-nine-kittens-of-christmas/|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=Heavy.com|language=en-US}}</ref> Sustad notes all the kittens were adopted by the crew. "Everyone has a … 'Nine Kittens of Christmas' cat. And it was so sweet. We fell in love with them. We were working with them every day."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/hallmark/kitten-stars-the-nine-kittens-of-christmas/|last=Dwilson|first=Stephanie|title='The Nine Kittens of Christmas' Crew Adopted All 9 of the Kitten Stars|work=Heavy.com|date=November 30, 2021|accessdate=February 12, 2022}}</ref> Working with kittens was challenging, but very memorable. "If Brandon and I totally fail at this sequel, the kittens are really cute and they make up for, seriously, whatever we might lack. It was mayhem. There are nine of them all the time running amok everywhere."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cinemacats.com/the-nine-kittens-of-christmas-2021/|last=Kay|first=Linda|title=The Nine Kittens of Christmas|work=Cinema Cats|date=December 25, 2021|accessdate=February 12, 2022}}</ref>


Tierney Bricker of [[E!Online]] ranked the sequel in the middle of the pack among Hallmark's thirty-one new Christmas movies for 2021. The reviewer felt the story line was a "whelming" B-plot, but she delighted in the "cute kittens and the welcome return of the easy breezy chemistry between Brandon Routh and Kimberly Sustad."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1313641/we-ranked-all-of-hallmark-channels-2021-christmas-movies-and-you-might-get-your-tinsel-in-a-tangle |last=Tierney|first=Bricker|title=We Ranked All of Hallmark Channel's 2021 Christmas Movies—and You Might Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle
==Reception==
|work=Eonline.com|date=December 20, 2021|accessdate=February 12, 2022}}</ref>
David Rapp of ''[[Kirkus Reviews]]'' gave the film positive marks, highlighting the movie's screenplay. Written by Nancey Silvers, the daughter of comedian [[Phil Silvers]], Rapp stated her screenplay offered a "master class" in how to write a good book adaptation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-features/articles/screener-nine-lives-christmas/|title=Screener: The Nine Lives of Christmas|last=Rapp|first=David|work=Kirkus Reviews|date=5 December 2019|accessdate=14 November 2021}}</ref> ''Parade'' magazine's Connie Wang listed ''The Nine Lives of Christmas'' as her "favorite Hallmark Channel holiday movie."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://parade.com/1258828/klconniewang/hallmark-christmas-movies-2021-schedule/|last=Wang|first=Connie|title=Hallmark Channel's Complete Countdown to Christmas Schedule Is Here!|work=Parade|date=10 November 2021|accessdate=14 November 2021}}</ref> The film also was given a positive mention by ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Soto|first=Kaly|date=December 4, 2018|title=A Hallmark Christmas Fan Watches Netflix's Holiday Movies (Published 2018)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/04/movies/netflix-hallmark-christmas.html|access-date=November 11, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Blaire Erskine of ''The List'' rated the film among Hallmark's best holiday offerings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thelist.com/172877/best-and-worst-holiday-movies-on-the-hallmark-channel/|last=Erskine|first=Blaire|title=Best and Worst Holiday Movies on the Hallmark Channel|work=The List|date=31 October 2019|accessdate=14 November 2021}}</ref> The film received particular attention from the [[Cat culture|cat lovers niche audience]]. Brooke Arnold of ''The Catington Post'' listed ''The Nine Lives of Christmas'' first among movies to watch with your cat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catingtonpost.com/the-top-5-christmas-movies-to-watch-with-your-cat/|last=Arnold|first=Brooke|title=The Top 5 Christmas Movies to Watch With Your Cat!|work=The Catington Post|date=3 December 2020|accessdate=14 November 2021}}</ref> Kristina Lotz, of ''I Heart Cats'', also listed it among her favorite holiday movies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://iheartcats.com/5-holiday-movies-featuring-cats/|last=Lotz|first=Kristina|title=5 Holiday Movies Featuring Cats|work=iheartcats.com|date= |accessdate=14 November 2021}}</ref> Seven years after its premiere, reviewer Sarabeth Pollock of ''Fansided'' noted it was still a fan favorite on many people's lists of holiday films to watch, confessing: "After all, there’s nothing better than the holidays, firemen, and cats."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://culturess.com/2021/07/09/hallmark-channel-nine-lives-christmas-synopsis-cast-trailer/|last=Pollock|first=Sarabeth|title=Hallmark Channel’s The Nine Lives of Christmas: Synopsis, cast, trailer|work= Fansided|date=9 July 2021|accessdate=18 November 2021}}</ref>


== Further reading ==
==Sequel==

The popularity of the film led to calls for a sequel. Hallmark obliged in 2021, with Sustad playing a significant role in the project's development. The sequel is titled ''The Nine Kittens of Christmas'', and takes the characters through some difficult moments. But it all works out in the end, partly through the two cat lovers finding homes for a litter of nine kittens.<ref name="Dwilson"/> The sequel premiered on November 25, 2021, [[Thanksgiving|Thanksgiving Day]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/hallmark/nine-lives-of-christmas-sequel-kittens-premiere-date/|last=Dwilson|first=Stephanie|title=Premiere Date Quietly Revealed for ‘The Nine Lives of Christmas’ Sequel|work=heavy.|date=30 August 2021|accessdate=10 November 2021}}</ref>
* {{Cite book|last1=Gray|first1=Brandon|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kRMVEAAAQBAJ|title=I'll Be Home for Christmas Movies: The Deck the Hallmark Podcast's Guide to Your Holiday TV Obsession|last2=Thompson|first2=Daniel|last3=Pandolph|first3=Daniel|last4=Duralde|first4=Alonso|date=October 26, 2021|publisher=[[Running Press]]|isbn=978-0-7624-9933-5|language=en}}


==References==
==References==
Line 84: Line 83:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|3889642}}
* [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3889642/ The Nine Lives of Christmas (TV movie 2014)] at IMDb
* [https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-nine-lives-of-christmas The Nine Lives of Christmas] at Hallmark
* [https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-nine-lives-of-christmas The Nine Lives of Christmas] at Hallmark

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-JAvnLoCLw The Nine Lives of Christmas] movie preview
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nine Lives of Christmas, The}}
* [https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-nine-kittens-of-christmas/videos Preview of The Nine Kittens of Christmas] at Hallmark
[[Category:Films directed by Mark Jean]]
[[Category:2014 films]]

Latest revision as of 06:59, 25 December 2024

The Nine Lives of Christmas
Official poster
Based onThe Nine Lives of Christmas
Written bySheila Roberts
Screenplay byNancey Silvers
Story bySheila Roberts
Directed byMark Jean
Starring
Music byLawrence Shragge
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
  • Ted Bauman
  • Jim Head
  • Fernando Szew
ProducerTed Bauman
CinematographyThomas Harting
EditorJames Ilecic
Running time86 minutes
Production companyHallmark
Original release
NetworkHallmark
ReleaseNovember 8, 2014 (2014-11-08)

The Nine Lives of Christmas is a 2014 American made-for-television romantic comedy film and Hallmark Channel original movie, written by Nancy Silvers, based on the book by Sheila Roberts. Directed by Mark Jean, it stars Brandon Routh and Kimberley Sustad. The film premiered on November 8, 2014, on the Hallmark Channel.

Plot

[edit]

As a fireman, Zachary is always ready to help people, but since his parents' relationship was marked by conflict, he is opposed to commitments. He buys houses as an investment, fixes them up in his time off, and uses the profit he earns from selling them to invest in more properties. He likes dating and has been dating a model, but does not see how anyone could possibly know you are with someone you could commit to for life.

Marilee has a very romantic view of life, even though it has not worked out that way for her. She is responsible and very capable. She is also the owner of a cat named Queenie, even though the apartment complex where she lives has a strict, no-pet policy. Working her way through veterinary school, she has promised herself not to get involved with anyone until she has started her career. Zach comes across a homeless cat named Ambrose who has been cornered by a large dog. After he rescues the cat, the cat decides to move in with him, uninvited. Somehow the cats play a role in the two getting to know each other better.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The film is based on the novel by the same name by Sheila Roberts.[1] Brandon Routh and Kimberly Sustad were chosen to portray the film's leads, and Jim Head and Ted Bauman served as executive producers.[2][3] Sustad has stated that her favorite part of the film was the last scene, as she felt that it was "that ‘Pretty Woman’ moment".[3]

Release and reception

[edit]

The movie was well received by its audience. The premiere for The Nine Lives of Christmas on November 8, 2014, on Hallmark garnered 3.4 million total viewers and reached 4.9 unduplicated viewers, based on Nielsen Company ratings for November 3 – 9, 2014. For its premier weekend The Nine Lives of Christmas coupled with the nearly as well viewed A Cookie Cutter Christmas shown the following night made the Hallmark Channel the most watched network both among households and in the demographic group of women 25-54. In addition, the network was rated the second most viewed cable network overall during that period.[4] The movie had been the channel's most viewed film of the year up to that date.[5] Hallmark has shown the film every year since. Seven years after its premiere, reviewer Sarabeth Pollock of Fansided noted it was still a fan favorite on many people's lists of holiday films to watch, confessing: "After all, there’s nothing better than the holidays, firemen, and cats."[6]

Among critical reviewers the reception was more mixed. Being a Hallmark Christmas movie the story is confined within certain formulaic constraints. Oliver Buckley of Ready Steady Cut noted the plot was predictable and "schmaltzy, yes, but in a nice way." He went on to say he liked the cast, particularly the leads and the firehouse crew. "Brandon Routh is very watchable, and Susted is likeable and worked well with Routh and the cats." Overall he recommended the film, stating it was "actually quite a nice, relaxing watch".[7] David Rapp, the senior Indie editor at Kirkus Reviews believed the movie's script was significantly better written then the book, and that actors Brandon Routh and Kimberely Sustad had infused their characters with considerably more interest then was present in the characters they were based upon. Rapp opined the Nancey Silvers screenplay offered a "master class" in how to write a good book adaptation.[8] Blaire Erskine of The List rated the film among Hallmark's best holiday offerings.[9] Parade magazine's Connie Wang listed The Nine Lives of Christmas as her "favorite Hallmark Channel holiday movie."[10] The film was also given a positive mention by The New York Times.[11] The film received particular attention from the cat lovers niche audience.[12][13]

Sequel

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Official poster

In 2021 Hallmark released a sequel to the film, titled The Nine Kittens of Christmas.[3][14] Routh and Sustad reprised their roles from the earlier film. The story picks up seven years later, after both leads have pursued their careers and moved in different directions. Marilee has been practicing veterinary medicine in Florida, and returns home to Oregon for a family function. Still living his bachelor's life, Zachery is now a captain. Preparing to leave town for a ski vacation, he discovers someone has left a box of kittens at his firehouse. Surprised by finding Marilee has returned to her home town, the two fall into working together to place the kittens in homes. Both have matured in the years gone by, and wonder what life would have been if they had made different choices when they were younger. The sequel premiered on November 25, 2021.[15][10] Approximately fifteen kittens were brought in to perform in the movie.[5] Filming took place at Fort Langley in the Langley Township, British Columbia.[16] Sustad notes all the kittens were adopted by the crew. "Everyone has a … 'Nine Kittens of Christmas' cat. And it was so sweet. We fell in love with them. We were working with them every day."[17] Working with kittens was challenging, but very memorable. "If Brandon and I totally fail at this sequel, the kittens are really cute and they make up for, seriously, whatever we might lack. It was mayhem. There are nine of them all the time running amok everywhere."[18]

Tierney Bricker of E!Online ranked the sequel in the middle of the pack among Hallmark's thirty-one new Christmas movies for 2021. The reviewer felt the story line was a "whelming" B-plot, but she delighted in the "cute kittens and the welcome return of the easy breezy chemistry between Brandon Routh and Kimberly Sustad."[19]

Further reading

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  • Gray, Brandon; Thompson, Daniel; Pandolph, Daniel; Duralde, Alonso (October 26, 2021). I'll Be Home for Christmas Movies: The Deck the Hallmark Podcast's Guide to Your Holiday TV Obsession. Running Press. ISBN 978-0-7624-9933-5.

References

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  1. ^ Genzlinger, Neil (November 8, 2014). "Grumpy Critic's earliest Christmas ever". Merced Sun-Star.
  2. ^ "Brandon Routh, Kimberley Sustad and Gregory Harrison Star in The Nine Lives of Christmas, A Hallmark Channel Original Movie World Premiere Holiday 2014". TheFutonCritic. July 9, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Dwilson, Stephanie (August 17, 2021). "'The Nine Lives of Christmas' Is Getting a Sequel This Year". heavy. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  4. ^ "Ratings - "Countdown to Christmas" Premieres Propel Hallmark Channel to Be the Most-Watched Cable Network of the Weekend Among Women 25-54 | TheFutonCritic.com". thefutoncritic.com. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Skwarna, Naomi (December 11, 2021). "Hallmark's trademark American Christmas movies? They're made in Canada". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  6. ^ Pollock, Sarabeth (July 9, 2021). "Hallmark Channel's The Nine Lives of Christmas: Synopsis, cast, trailer". Fansided. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  7. ^ Buckley, Oliver (November 28, 2017). "The Nine Lives of Christmas". Ready Steady Cut. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  8. ^ Rapp, David (December 5, 2019). "Screener: The Nine Lives of Christmas". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  9. ^ Erskine, Blaire (October 31, 2019). "Best and Worst Holiday Movies on the Hallmark Channel". The List. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  10. ^ a b Wang, Connie (November 10, 2021). "Hallmark Channel's Complete Countdown to Christmas Schedule Is Here!". Parade. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  11. ^ Soto, Kaly (December 4, 2018). "A Hallmark Christmas Fan Watches Netflix's Holiday Movies (Published 2018)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
  12. ^ Arnold, Brooke (December 3, 2020). "The Top 5 Christmas Movies to Watch With Your Cat!". The Catington Post. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  13. ^ Lotz, Kristina. "5 Holiday Movies Featuring Cats". iheartcats.com. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  14. ^ Wang, K. L. Connie (November 24, 2021). "Get a Sneak Peek to The Nine Kittens of Christmas, the Sequel to the Favorite Favorite Nine Lives of Christmas". Parade. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  15. ^ Dwilson, Stephanie (August 30, 2021). "Premiere Date Quietly Revealed for 'The Nine Lives of Christmas' Sequel". heavy. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  16. ^ Dwilson, Stephanie Dube (November 25, 2021). "Where Was 'The Nine Kittens of Christmas' Filmed? See Cast Stories". Heavy.com. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  17. ^ Dwilson, Stephanie (November 30, 2021). "'The Nine Kittens of Christmas' Crew Adopted All 9 of the Kitten Stars". Heavy.com. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  18. ^ Kay, Linda (December 25, 2021). "The Nine Kittens of Christmas". Cinema Cats. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  19. ^ Tierney, Bricker (December 20, 2021). "We Ranked All of Hallmark Channel's 2021 Christmas Movies—and You Might Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle". Eonline.com. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
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