Spirited is a Christmas musical comedy streaming on Apple TV+, starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. It is co-written and directed by Sean Anders.
The tables are turned, and this Christmas it is the Ghost of Christmas Present who must do some reevaluating.
Premise
This year’s target of the Ghost of Christmas Present is the ruthless businessman, Clint Briggs. As Present describes him, “he’s like the prefect combination of Mussolini and Seacrest.” His dark soul must be reformed by a visit from three spirits. Things will not follow the traditional process, when Christmas Present has to contend with Briggs who will shrewdly subject the Ghost to his own journey through his past, present and future.
Movie Review
A movie that has Will Ferrell written all over it: it is edgy but within limits. It goes ever so slightly beyond the canons of Christmas movies, managing to bring us something outside the norm. ‘Spirited’ is entertaining, funny, and yes, a twee bit silly, but it definitely will have an audience, and it is an almost perfect vehicle to create a festival of songs, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, good choreography, easy jokes and entertainment that does not shift or shake us, nor does it intend to.
The movie stands out in its production, clearly, a studio product… no, it is not a Christmas-themed art house piece. But, that was not expected either, and it has turned out to be an amusing and gratifying viewing experience. It is a musical in full order with a massive production backing it.
The premise is refreshing, taking ‘A Christmas Carol’ and turning it upside down, and adding to it some humor. It is always interesting to see a classic from the perspective of one of the auxiliary (initially) characters in the story.
Besides Ferrell, we have another expert in feelgood comedies: Ryan Reynolds, who is the perfect sparring partner taking on the role of an unlikable goof, and gives us dance and song numbers with thespian savvy.
Our Opinion
A very entertaining musical that is far from Dickens’ original story. But that will not stop us from liking this film. It is a big production, with a great cast, good musical numbers and a relatively funny script.
Release Date
November 18, 2022
Where to Watch Spirited
The Stars with Fab Morvan Stopping the Rumors
Director
Sean Anders
Sean Anders is an American film director, actor, screenwriter, and producer. He most recently directed the comedy film Sex Drive starring Clark Duke and Josh Zuckerman. He is the brother of actress Andrea Anders. Description above from the Wikipedia article Sean Anders, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia
Cast
 Ryan Reynolds / Clint Briggs |  Will Ferrell / Ghost of Christmas Present |  Octavia Spencer |
 Sunita Mani / Ghost of Christmas Past |  Aimee Carrero / Nora |  Joe Tippett |
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