Nine
Famed director of the film adaptation of “Chicago,” Rob Marshall shoots for the stars with his adaptation of Federico Fellini’s film “8 1/2.” The Story of Maestro Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), beloved director of wildly popular films but a tortured genius experiencing a midlife crisis. Peeling back the onion skin-esque layers of Contini’s life reveals the juggling act of women he must endure, his wife (Marion Cotilliard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his muse (Nicole Kidman), a fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), a prostitute from his formative youth (Fergie), willing ear and costume designer (Judi Dench), and his mother (Sophia Loren). 
Directed, shot, and edited with the spirit of Fellini in mind the film takes on a dreamlike quality that phases the viewer from reality to the mind of Contini in seamless slips that also introduce us to the fact that this in fact a musical, and a sexy musical at that. Impressive choreography that slinks and seduces gives plenty of eye candy to watch. And, while not every musical number has a memorable hook, there is more than plenty to walk away humming at the end of the show– a traditional mark of a good musical. Meanwhile, notable performances from most of the ensemble show that Nine has quite a muscle to flex talent wise, even at it’s weakest the film is still interesting, and entertaining. Creative use of lighting, color, and black and white makes for interesting story telling and creative reveals. A great date movie, and worth seeing. Nine is rated PG-13.