The Nines (2007) R - 3 Stars

This movie reminded me a lot of Donny Darko, and if you liked that one, I think this might be right up your alley. The style is complexed and can be somewhat confusing as a lot of imagery goes along with the story line. One of those movies that sometimes warrant seeing a second time to fully grasp. Like Donny Darko, this movie tackles questions of God, destiny, fate and philosophy. Filmed in 3 short episodes, they all showing different connected scenarios of one mans existence of being a 9, a Super Being above all humans, only 7's. It's the kind of movie that makes you think about it's true understanding and it's open to your personal interpretation.

Part one "The Prisoner" Gary (Ryan Reynolds) is a trouble actor under house arrest for driving under the influence of cocaine, turning his car upside down. It all started when he attached a green yarn bracelet to his wrist. He get in his car, picks up some cocaine, seeks a local hooker to a party with, while driving with two of himself in the back seat. Sarah (Hope Davis) is his neighbor next door enticing him offering a way out while Margaret (Melissa McCarthy) his publicist, tries to keep him in line. He feels he is going crazy in the house, hears noises and finds notes in his writing, he swears he didn't do. His only reality is what these two women tell him.

Part two "Reality Television" Gavin (Ryan Reynolds) is doing a behind the scene look, Project Greenlight-style documentary, of his upcoming soap opera and the choices made to get his show on the air. Susan (Hope Davis) is his uppity programing VP that's involved in the shows promotion and calls for replacement of the main star of the drama, Melissa (Melissa McCarthy). Also Gavin's best friend, the reality show films as he tells her she's fired. But it's all about business and Melissa is quickly replaced with Dahlia (Dahlia Salem) and just as quick, the show is canceled. As the film makers have long since left, Gavin finds himself in New York City still talking to the cameras.

Part three "Knowing" Gabriel (Ryan Reynolds) and his wife Mary (Melissa McCarthy),along with their daughter, are stranded in the mountains where their car won't start and no cell service. Gabriel volunteers to walk down the hill and try to get service with his phone. Along the way he comes in contact with Sierra (Hope Davis) who at first is reluctant to help but later feels comfortable to offer her car for assistance. Just a small walk down the hill, Sierra takes him on a short cut through the woods. She offers water and after he his drink, informs him a drug might be in the water. The daughter is entertaining herself with the video camera which is displaying "part one" until she tells mom, he's not coming back. Gabriel takes off his green yarn bracelet, and departs the earth.

Pandora Films
Director: John August
Writer: John August
Producers: Dan Jinks, Dan Etheridge, Bruce Cohen

I viewed 6/08