Nine Directed by: Rob Marshall Cast: Daniel Day Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Sofia Loren, Fergie Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 25, 2009

PLOT: Famous film director Guido Contini (Day Lewis) struggles with what his new film will be about. Plus, his personal life is in turmoil as well with his wife, his mistress, the press and his lead actress all vying for his attention as well. This is based on the Broadway musical about acclaimed director Federico Fellini's film 8 1/2.

WHO'S IT FOR? Did you like Chicago? That should be all the thought needed. Plus, if you love the name Guido, that's another reason to see the film.

EXPECTATIONS: Daniel Day Lewis and a boatload of insanely attractive women. Yeah, I thought that would be a good enough time.

SCORECARD (0-10)

ACTORS:

Daniel Day Lewis as Guido Contini: The man can act. That's a given. He can also sing, now that's been proven. The Italian accent is simply his, we don't doubt it for a second. Everything Day Lewis does, I assume is part of his method. He's walking with his shoulders slouched ... yes, that must be for a reason. That's the status he's entered. With all that being said, you see the turmoil, the potential genius, but you never really feel bad for Guido, and therefore you're never hoping for a center outcome. Score: 8

Marion Cotillard as Luisa Contini: Luisa is Guido's prize. It never feels like the two of them are together, but that's the picture this film paints when dealing with an artist like Guido. Cotillard gets two songs, and we already knew she could sing (Le Vie En Rose). Score: 6

Penélope Cruz as Carla: Sex pot. Emotional train wreck. That sums up Carla. Cruz does the role justice, and most will have their eyes glued to the screen when she performs her near-strip tease while on the phone with Guido. It's unfortunate we can simply call her a train wreck though, because with her marriage and cheating, we don't really know what makes Carla tick. Score: 7

Rest of Cast: Wait a minute. We have a movie with Cotillard, Cruz, Kidman and Hudson, yet it's Judi Dench stealing the show? She's the moral light at the end of Guido's tunnel, he just chooses to ignore it most of the time. She's also the one giving us the most humor. Sophia Loren went heavy on the make-up, though I am sure some senior citizens won't mind. Hudson proves she can perform without being in a lame rom-com. And Kidman? She's barely present. Though I thought it was hilarious they decided a wig is what makes her attractive at the end of her song. Score: 7

TALKING: Guido has had a recent string of flops. Yet, it's only now that he has creative concerns about whether he can make another film. Did he know they were flops when he was making them? Inquiring minds want to know. This film isn't about what is said, it's about what is performed. Unfortunately the story never hooks you in. The line of the film is definitely, "I'll be here waiting for you with my legs open." Score: 5

SIGHTS: It's a great use of color and staging. Most of the musical numbers take place of the set where the new film will be made. It's insanely beautiful. Plus, the film goes from black & white to rich reds for an affect that makes it hard to turn away. Throw Italy into the mix and you have an absolutely gorgeous film to look at. Score: 8

SOUNDS: Let me complain first ... Don't put three slow songs in the film back to back to back. It kills the buzz. I was shocked to see the prostitute Saraghina (Fergie) steal the show with her number. Day Lewis and Cottilard get each get two songs, the rest of the group gets one each. Be Italian will be the one stuck in your head though. Score: 8

PLOT SPOILERS

BEST SCENE: Even though it didn't have any emotional impact, watching the final scene, with the women coming out to take a bow was a beautiful piece of staging.

ENDING: Don't worry, it looks like the insanely rich, handsome, talented, respected, and lusted after man might just be OK.

QUESTIONS: Did Kidman know she was signing up for an almost cameo? Does anyone else desperately want to smoke after seeing this film?

REWATCHABILITY: Yes, just to buzz through and watch some of the songs again. So I will say the second viewing until I can control the running time of the film.

OVERALL

Moulin Rouge makse it look easy. Making people feel connected in a musical is hard work. Director Rob Marshall knows how to put on a show with Chicago and now Nine, but that's just it. It's only a show. This film is all about the individual performances. Rarely will you think, "Oh, Stephanie feels this way." Instead, you'll just think, "Oh, it's Hudson's turn to sing." That's how this film works. It's every actor taking a turn singing. So, when the musical numbers pop, it's fun entertainment. When they don't, you end up checking your watch. Day Lewis does his best to get you to care, but when the characters cry, we do not. We simply watch the pretty colors or music, and when it's done maybe a song or two is stuck in our heads, but the film will be forgotten.

FINAL SCORE: 7/10