The 2016 comedy Nine Lives clocks in at a runtime of 87 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes. This family-friendly film, starring Kevin Spacey as a man who finds himself trapped in his cat’s body, offers a relatively concise viewing experience perfect for a short family movie night.
Delving Deeper into Nine Lives: An Overview
Nine Lives, despite its comedic premise, explores themes of family, communication, and perspective. Tom Brand (Kevin Spacey), a workaholic billionaire, neglects his wife Lara (Jennifer Garner) and daughter Rebecca (Malina Weissman). When he reluctantly agrees to buy Rebecca a cat for her birthday, a bizarre accident occurs. He wakes up to find himself trapped inside the body of the cat, Mr. Fuzzypants.
This predicament forces Tom to experience life from a completely different angle, witnessing firsthand the consequences of his actions and the importance of his family. The movie uses humor and lighthearted situations to convey a message about prioritizing relationships and appreciating the present moment.
Beyond the Runtime: Exploring the Movie’s Details
While the 87-minute runtime provides a simple answer to the initial question, there’s much more to understand about Nine Lives. This section explores various aspects of the movie, from its plot and cast to its reception and availability.
Plot Summary: A Whimsical Transformation
The story follows Tom Brand, a driven businessman obsessed with completing his latest skyscraper project, FireBrand Tower. He often puts work before his family, creating a growing rift with his wife and daughter. On Rebecca’s eleventh birthday, she desperately wants a cat, something Tom has always avoided.
He eventually relents and visits a mysterious pet store run by Felix Perkins (Christopher Walken). Perkins sells him Mr. Fuzzypants, a seemingly ordinary cat. On the way home, Tom suffers an accident that leaves him trapped inside Mr. Fuzzypants’ body. He can see and hear everything, but can only communicate through meows and feline actions.
As Mr. Fuzzypants, Tom is forced to live among his family, witnessing their struggles and understanding the pain his neglect has caused. He attempts to signal his predicament, often creating chaos and comical situations. He realizes the importance of family and strives to find a way back to his human form before it’s too late.
Cast and Characters: Star Power and Furry Friends
The movie boasts a strong cast of actors, each bringing their own unique talents to their respective roles:
- Kevin Spacey as Tom Brand/Mr. Fuzzypants: Spacey provides the voice and physical performance of both the human and feline versions of Tom.
- Jennifer Garner as Lara Brand: Lara, Tom’s wife, yearns for more attention and connection from her husband.
- Malina Weissman as Rebecca Brand: Rebecca’s love for cats and her desire for her father’s attention drive much of the plot.
- Christopher Walken as Felix Perkins: Perkins, the enigmatic pet store owner, adds an element of mystery and magic to the story.
- Robbie Amell as David Brand: David, Tom’s son, is initially supportive of his father but begins to question his priorities.
Nine Lives: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions regarding Nine Lives, offering further insights and practical information.
FAQ 1: Is Nine Lives appropriate for children?
Yes, Nine Lives is generally considered appropriate for children. It’s rated PG for some mild thematic elements and rude humor. The humor is mostly slapstick and situational, making it accessible and enjoyable for younger audiences. While the themes of family and responsibility are mature, they are presented in a lighthearted and entertaining manner.
FAQ 2: Where can I watch Nine Lives?
Nine Lives is available on various streaming platforms, depending on your region. You can often find it on services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube Movies (rental or purchase). It’s also frequently available on demand through cable providers. Checking online movie databases and streaming guides will provide the most up-to-date information on where to watch the movie in your area.
FAQ 3: What genre is Nine Lives?
Nine Lives is primarily a comedy, with elements of fantasy and family film. The humor stems from the absurd situation of a man trapped in a cat’s body, and the fantasy element is the magical transformation itself. The film emphasizes the importance of family and personal growth, making it a suitable choice for family viewing.
FAQ 4: Who directed Nine Lives?
Nine Lives was directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, known for his work on films like Men in Black and The Addams Family. Sonnenfeld’s experience in directing quirky and comedic films contributes to the overall tone and style of Nine Lives.
FAQ 5: Was Nine Lives a critical success?
No, Nine Lives was not a critical success. It received largely negative reviews from critics, who criticized its plot, humor, and performances. However, despite the critical reception, it found a certain level of popularity with audiences, particularly families looking for lighthearted entertainment.
FAQ 6: How did Nine Lives perform at the box office?
Nine Lives had a moderate box office performance. While it didn’t achieve blockbuster status, it managed to recoup its production budget. Its box office success was likely driven by its family-friendly appeal and the star power of its cast.
FAQ 7: Are there any similar movies to Nine Lives?
Yes, there are several movies with similar themes of body-swapping or animal transformation. Examples include Freaky Friday, 13 Going on 30, The Shaggy Dog, and Like Mike. These films explore similar themes of empathy, understanding, and personal growth through comedic and fantastical scenarios.
FAQ 8: Is there a sequel to Nine Lives?
As of now, there is no sequel to Nine Lives planned or in development. Given the mixed critical reception and moderate box office success of the first film, it’s unlikely that a sequel will be produced.
FAQ 9: Who composed the music for Nine Lives?
The musical score for Nine Lives was composed by Evgueni Galperine. Galperine’s score helps to create the lighthearted and comedic atmosphere of the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
FAQ 10: Where was Nine Lives filmed?
Nine Lives was primarily filmed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Montreal’s diverse architecture and film-friendly environment make it a popular location for film production.
FAQ 11: What is the message of Nine Lives?
The underlying message of Nine Lives is about the importance of family, communication, and prioritizing relationships. Tom’s transformation into a cat forces him to re-evaluate his priorities and understand the impact of his actions on his loved ones. The film encourages viewers to appreciate the present moment and cherish the bonds they have with their families.
FAQ 12: Is Nine Lives available on Blu-ray or DVD?
Yes, Nine Lives is available on Blu-ray and DVD. These formats offer a higher quality viewing experience than streaming, making them a good option for collectors and those who prefer physical media. You can find Nine Lives on Blu-ray and DVD at most major retailers and online marketplaces.