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Amos Lassen wrote on 02/20/2011:

“Nine Lives”
Scenes of Sex
Amos Lassen
Looking at the sex lives of nine men is the subject of “Nine Lives” which is made up of nine monologues. The monologues are held together by sex scenes but the revelations that we hear in the monologues are the “meat” of the film. We hear about aging, infidelity, being HIV positive, love, lust as well as drug and sex addiction or as some of you may say, all of the things that make life worth living. Michael Kearns (“Dream Man”) and Dean Howell are responsible for this film of our lives.
Kearns plays a middle-aged man from West Hollywood who has lost three lovers—one to the war in Vietnam and two to AIDS. He is now just searching for a good time. He meets a good looking Hispanic named Carlos who works for a couple in a long time dysfunctional relationship. There is Daniel, a closeted writer for television and Corey who suffers abuse from him. There is Mikey a drug dealer ad James a user and there are others, each with a story to tell.
Steamy hot sex in between the monologues keeps the interest level high. I loved the honesty of the film and found it to be revolutionary. It is such a true picture of the way so many live today. We do not have enough moves like this and even though the sex scenes are quite bold, they do not take away from the monologues.

WriterBear wrote on 10/11/2009:

Dean Howell's film explores the sexual and life experiences of an intertwined group of eight men and one woman. The characters are fully realized and expertly portrayed. The situations ring true as microcosms of gay life.

One aspect that surprised me was the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the reckless abandon most of the characters had in dealing with it sexually. Sadly, I suspect this is also a realistic depiction of AIDS Awareness Fatigue that has set in out in the "real world."

The film is technically superior, the direction is crisp and the acting is genuine. This is one DVD I feel justified in buying as I know I'll watch it again.

marty wrote on 10/09/2007:

initially i said "oh no!" but after a very few minutes the movie had me hooked. excellent acting, interesting story lines, good technical work (sound, lighting, camera work).

there was only one scene that left me questioning what was going on. but on the whole, an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Luis Rolando wrote on 07/17/2007:

I couldn't be more excited Nine Lives is FINALLY ON DVD! I was amazed at how excellent the ensemble cast was, which is essential when you have a movie focusing exclusively on these characters instead of an actual central plot.

There is A LOT of sex injected into the scenes, especially the earlier one. Does the sex seem gratuitous after a while? Sure it does. Does it make the movie any less entertaining? No way. Especially when actors as hot as (openly gay) Steve Callahan and John Ganun are the ones doing the deed! (Not together in this case.)

There are a few standouts among the exceptional line-up including Callahan, Dennis Christopher and Debra Wilson. This one's a keeper!