Nine (PG-13) (2009)

It’s been awhile since a star-studded musical danced across the big screen, so director/ choreographer Rob Marshall (Chicago) decided to treat us to a spectacular show to wind up 2009 with a bang.  A woeful tale of writer’s block set in Venice in the 60’s, it dramatizes the strife of Italian film maker Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) who has all of his cinematic ducks-in-a-row for his latest film, except the script. With an actual script based on Frederico Fellini’s 8 ½, this film adaptation of Nine promises to be just as popular as its stage run on Broadway that began in 1982 only to be reborn in 2003 with Antonio Banderas taking the lead role.

Armed with a jaw-dropping cast Nine delivers a rapid fire of hot numbers and sexy dance sequences that are sure to please fans of the musical genre. There are so many women in Guido’s life and each has a song to add to his story. Wife, Luisa (Marion Cotillard), performs a show-stealer with her “Take It All” directed at her unfaithful, often neglectful husband. His mistress, Carla (Penelope Cruz), handles one of the sexiest sequences of the film with ease. The star of the not-yet-hatched script is Claudia (Nicole Kidman) who carries her stardom well. If that cast already seems packed, hold on for the appearances of Fergie, Kate Hudson, Judi Dench and Sophia Loren (as Guido’s mother). Be prepared for much more, because that’s just the first tier of talent in the film.

The musical numbers are catchy, so do not be surprised if you find yourself exiting the theater belting out “Be Italian.” 3