Nine(2009)- User Reviews

Let's face it. Viewers and critics just plain don't like Musicals, so with few exceptions they are automically inclined to rate them poorly. In this case what they miss is an enjoyable re-telling of Fellini's classic masterpice "8 1/2" in a format more palatable for general audiences (at least those open to musical theatre). The story of a famous and universally lionized director suffering through a genuine creative crisis, while his constant womanizing simultaneously destroys his marriage to a long-suffering and loyal wife is every bit as powerful as it was in Fellini's version. Another review stated that the music wasn't memorable. What? I can't stop hearing Fergie's lusty "Be Italian," Kate Hudson's sexy "Cinema Italiano, Nicole Kidman's sultry "In a Very Unusual Way," and Marion Cotillards' plaintive "My Husband Makes Movies" counterposed to the blistering "Take it All." I'll take those numbers against those of "Sound of Music" anytime, my friends. Daniel Day Lewis and Ms. Cotillard steal the show as actors, projecting powerful prescenses respectfully, which is good as they are the main characters. Kidman does well in a minor role. Hudson's fantasy dance is hotter than I would have imagined (I'm not a fan) but her acting is unconvincing, and Penepole Cruz's attempt at being alluringly sexy was pathetic and humorous (it reminded me of a little girl good naturedly trying to perform for her parents in their living room). So I have to agree that it's far from perfect. But hey critics, can't you have a little fun with a movie that aspires to be just what this one intends to be? Smart. Entertaining. Sexy. Musically emotional. That's a helluva lot better than a lot of films out there. Get your heads out of that place where the sun don't shine.