As a gamer who’s spent more hours than I care to admit binge-watching Hallmark Christmas movies, let me tell you about my all-time favorite: “The Nine Lives of Christmas“. This movie is like a cozy blanket on a snowy day – comforting, delightful, and just the right amount of fuzzy.
This is once again the season when a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie makes for an ideal companion, whether it’s on a chilly, snowy day or a delightfully warm, sunny one, depending on your location! Every year, the network launches a wide range of festive productions as part of their Countdown to Christmas, which kicks off in the last weekend of October and continues until early January. Although numerous new titles are added to the collection during each holiday season, my all-time favorite remains a film called “The Nine Lives of Christmas“, which turned 10 years old in November.
The movie titled “Nine Lives” is adapted from a book sharing the same name by Sheila Roberts. Featuring Kimberley Sustad and Brandon Routh, this story revolves around Marilee White (played by Sustad), a veterinary student who finds herself smitten with Zachary Stone, an attractive firefighter (portrayed by Routh) in a small town Oregon setting during Christmas. Doesn’t seem too complicated, does it?
In “Nine Lives,” what makes it stand out among typical Hallmark holiday movies is the presence of charming feline characters as part of the ensemble. The main character, Ambrose – a friendly orange Tabby cat – forms a bond with Zachary and encourages him to understand and value family ties and dedication. Meanwhile, the character Marilee, who’s on her way to becoming a vet, secretly keeps a long-haired Torbi (a tortoiseshell/tabby patterned cat) named Queenie as a pet, despite not being allowed pets in her apartment complex – a detail that plays a significant role later in the story.
In line with predictions, cats play a part in Marilee and Zachary’s growing relationship. The two humans encounter each other for the first time in the pet food section of the supermarket, an exceptionally endearing meet-up that remains delightful and makes me smile whenever I rewatch it. It so happens that Marilee feels compelled to share her veterinary knowledge when Zachary encounters trouble choosing a suitable diet for their new cat, Ambrose. This leads to them bonding over home improvements and eventually, Marilee praising Zachary as a “double hero” for saving a cat and being a firefighter.
Throughout the film, both Marilee and Zachary share tender instances where they confide in their pets, particularly Zachary with Ambrose. Later, when Queenie’s discovery leads to Marilee being evicted and Zachary offering his extra room, their cats become fast friends. This encounter prompts a discussion about love at first sight that playfully makes commitment-averse Zachary uncomfortable.
Ultimately (be cautious about spoilers!), by the film’s conclusion, the pair mend their relationship at a pet adoption gathering on Christmas Day. This heartwarming moment triggers a memory for Zachary when Ambrose playfully nudges a newspaper article advertising this very event with his paw.
Apart from the feline focus, another noteworthy aspect of the film are the friendship circles of the characters Zachary and Marilee. Initially, we meet Zachary alongside his fire department team, which includes chief Sam (Gregory Harrison), along with fellow firefighters Mark (Dallas Blake) and Ray (Sean Tyson). This close-knit band of friends and colleagues is a blend of warmth, humor, and above all, unwavering support. They significantly impact Zachary’s life in a positive way, playing a crucial role in his romantic endeavors as well.
In the movie “Nine Lives,” Marilee’s primary confidante is her best friend and fellow veterinary student, Sarah (Jennifer Cheon Garcia). Just like a firehouse crew, Sarah offers consistent support but also adds humorous, insightful moments to the film. Additionally, Marilee’s younger sister, Jaclyn (Stephanie Bennett), and her brother-in-law, Kyle (Carey Freehan), make occasional appearances in the movie to voice their opinions on Marilee’s growing relationship. These characters are all part of Marilee’s life, each contributing in their unique ways.
Over the past decade, my preference for “Nine Lives” as my top Hallmark Christmas movie hasn’t wavered. In truth, it’s one of my all-time favorite films without a doubt. What I love about this movie is its unique blend of the typical Hallmark holiday charm – complete with sweet misunderstandings, picking out a Christmas tree together, and a mistletoe kiss – with the depth and realism found in classic romantic comedies. Both Zachary and Marilee are fully developed and entertaining characters, their relationship feels authentic and healthy, and their individual worlds seem realistic and lived-in. To sum it up, “Nine Lives” is a delightful, engaging, well-written, and well-executed production that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone (and I have recommended it many times!).
By the way, if you enjoy watching cats during Christmas and crave more of such content, you’re in for a treat! I’m thrilled to share that “Nine Lives” is one of the few Hallmark movies that received a sequel. Titled “The Nine Kittens of Christmas“, it was released in November 2021. The romance between Zachary and Marilee in this sequel remains as endearing and awkward as before, many of the main cast reprise their roles (Jaclyn stands out exceptionally well in this installment), and what else could be more delightful than adding nine cute kittens to the storyline!
This holiday season, you can catch both “The Nine Lives of Christmas” and “The Nine Kittens of Christmas” on the Hallmark TV app.
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2024-12-02 20:15