The Nine Kittens of Christmas

Given that 'The Nine Lives of Christmas' is a Hallmark fan favorite, and I did enjoy the movie myself, I naturally was looking forward to seeing this new installment, knowing full well that sequels rarely meet fans' expectations. So, how was it, you ask? This Christmas movie (for cat lovers) checks all the boxes for, what I like to call, a classic Hallmark movie: a warm and cute story with a decent script, strong performances all around, and plenty of Christmas spirit and festive cheer (arguably, it's more Christmassy than the first). That said, though enjoyable, 'The Nine Kittens of Christmas' had less of an impression on me than the first, I'm afraid. Our protagonists in this sequel are again Marilee (played by Kimberley Sustad) and Zachary (played by Brandon Routh). Marilee, who has finished veterinary school and started her own practice since we saw her last, takes some time off to visit her family this Christmas. Zachary, who has been coming into his own at the firehouse, is looking forward to a ski trip this Christmas. His plans, however, change when he finds a box of abandoned kittens. Shortly thereafter, Marilee and Zachary are thrown back together, and then, join forces to search for new homes for the kittens, who are named after Santa's reindeer, of course. And so, our story begins as we watch these two begin to reconnect and rediscover their love for each other. Unlike some viewers, I didn't mind the unexpected shift in the plot at the start or the backstories that set this up. I thought the writers did a decent job of capturing much of the dynamics between Marilee and Zachary from the first film. Moreover, the dialogue and interaction between the two were strong. There were a few noticeable shortcomings, however. The writers could have done a better job of developing Routh's character (Zachary), especially regarding his lack of confidence (in relationships). I enjoyed the bonding between Marilee and Jaclyn (played by Stephanie Bennett); it is clear the writers were keen to develop this. Unfortunately, the inclusion of the advent story seemed forced. There was potential here that was never really developed, I thought. The acting, overall, was strong, and the chemistry between Sustad and Routh was good (believable). Sustad, in particular, had a brilliant performance. It pulled me in. For example, you could feel her struggling with her feelings for Zachary on-screen. Routh had a strong performance, though he could have given us a bit more emotion (and passion) at times. The supporting cast was excellent, and it was great seeing them on-screen together again. And then there are the kittens (aka Santa's reindeer), Ambrose, and Duchess (Marilee's new cat). Very adorable performances all around. The scenes where Zachary and Marilee talk to Ambrose and Duchess are fun to watch. Really enjoyed them. All in all, 'The Nine Kittens of Christmas' is a warm, cute, and fun movie. Maybe not as good as the first, but entertaining nonetheless. A nice new edition to Hallmark's 2021 Christmas movie line-up.

I am not a big fan of redo sequels. The beautiful ending in Nine Lives of Christmas is undone. Marilee is across the country in a relationship with a different guy with whom she is sharing a vet practice. After Zach's beautiful grand gesture in the first movie, somewhere in the 5 years since he got commitment phobia again and now they are no longer together. That saps my faith a little in terms of the chemistry between Kimberley Sustad and Brandon Routh. Oh, it's definitely there,, but it's tainted just a little bit.

If two cats were cute before, two cats plus 9 kittens is even cuter, and they spread that cuteness all through the movie.

The story wasn't bad even if it did use the well worn old ploy of one person misunderstanding what they see.

Both Sustad and Routh continue from the previous movie with great delivery of mumbled comments to themselves or talking to their cats, Sustad especially.

Really not bad for a sequel.

Well, upon seeing the cover for this 2021 Christmas movie, I have to be honest and say that I immediately thought that I would be in for a traditional all-out sappy romantic Christmas movie that only Hallmark can produce. Yet, I opted to sit down and watch "The Nine Kittens of Christmas" on the notion that I hadn't already seen the movie, and also I am on a Christmas movie bender this year.

Sure, there were the traditional romantic cheese in "The Nine Kittens of Christmas", just as you'd expect from Hallmark, but luckily it wasn't over-the-top and it wasn't the sole focal point of the movie. So I will say that "The Nine Kittens of Christmas" was actually a nice sort of break away from the usual formula, which made for an enjoyable and wholesome Christmas movie with something for the entire family.

So writer Erinne Dobson actually managed to put together a wholesome script for the movie, based on the book by Sheila Roberts - not that I can claim to have read said book, much less even heard about it.

"The Nine Kittens of Christmas" stars Brandon Routh and Kimberley Sustad, and they actually carried the movie quite well together.

And there is just something about cats in movies that work out so well, so if you enjoy cats and kittens, then you are in for a treat here.

While "The Nine Kittens of Christmas" is not going to become a Christmas classic for me, it is certainly a movie that was well-worth taking the time to sit down and watch.

My rating of director David Winning's 2021 movie lands on a six out of ten stars.

Love the kitties. This movie had several things going for it. #1 Kittens and cats #2 No "Royal" storyline and #3 None of the overused trio, Candace, Danica and Lacey. Really liked this actress.

Our handsome fireman Zachary is back and trying to find homes for nine abandoned kittens and he calls on the help of his former love and veterinary Marilee for help. Marilee just happens to be in town visiting family...her boyfriend who was supposed to come bails on her and they end up breaking up leaving room for a second chance romance with Zachary.

Our two main characters have wonderful chemistry and the kittens, who get named after Santa's nine reindeers, are the most adorable kittens and make this movie.

If you like kittens and miss Zachary and Marilee from The nine lives of Christmas, don't miss them getting their second chance in this Hallmark holiday romance.