'Nine' Scores a 10

With an impressive cast and catchy musical numbers, "Nine" dazzles in its walk through a string of women who shape and plague the protagonist, Guido Contini.

Director Rob Marshall doesn't stray far from the formula that made "Chicago" (2002) a widespread success: big screen names, sparse but effective settings, and even a pinch of good acting. If you liked that film; head to the theaters. If you didn't, save your cash. Enough said.

The cast was, on the whole, fantastic.

• The pro - Daniel Day Lewis ... does he ever act poorly?

• The standout - Marion Cotillard ... her beauty and charm slowly grow on viewers as the film progresses. And damn, what a voice.

• The veteran - Sophia Loren ... the lighting crew had its work cut out. Kudos to this ex-sexbomb for flaunting some of what she's still got.

• The new sexbomb - Penélope Cruz ... jeeeeeeez. Deftly oozes lasciviousness.

• The mentor - Judi Dench ... both literally and figuratively she schools the other actresses on class, style, and singing in a French accent (!)

• The airhead - Kate Hudson ... draws a perfect portrait of a swingin' American journalist on the prowl.

• The muse - Nicole Kidman ... steps off her pedestal to give Guido what for.

• The total waste of screen time - Fergie ... she plays a whore.