Nine Reviewed at The Cinematheque

The idea of a musical version of Fellini's 8 1/2 is a unique and rather interesting idea, and under the right auspices (and right director) it could have been a unique and rather interesting movie.  Unfortunately for us (and everyone involved in the making of the film) that director is not Rob Marshall.  He already demolished Bob Fosse's Chicago back in 2002 (and won the Academy Award for his services!!? Beating out both The Pianist and Gangs of New York btw!!?) and now he does grand ruin to Fellini's memory as well.  Luckily (to some degree) the cast - including Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren - almost makes up for Marshall's complete lack of filmmaking ability.  Has the guy ever even seen a movie other than his own!?  Anyway, you take the good, you take the bad, and there you have...well, the film is merely middle-of-the-road and that is all there is to that. I guess, though it could have and should have been much better, it could have been much much worse too. 

Read my review of Nine at The Cinematheque.