As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen more Christmas movies than Santa Claus has reindeer. So, when Apple TV+ released “Spirited” last year, I was eager to see if it could measure up to the classics.
Crafting a contemporary holiday masterpiece isn’t a walk in the park; it takes a special touch to create a movie that will stand the test of time and become a cherished addition to the annual viewing lineup. Yet, people never seem to tire of trying. Apple TV+ made their bid for a festive classic with the 2022 musical, Spirited. As a movie reviewer, I found myself drawn in by the star-studded cast, featuring none other than Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, who took on the challenge of breathing new life into the timeless tale of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol.
Initially, there was great optimism, with anticipation matching the size of the budget and the gathering of a renowned comedy writer-director Sean Anders, the songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and the opportunity for Reynolds to share screen time with his comedy idol for the first time. However, as we stand two years later, it seems that the film ‘Spirited’ may have slipped from memory for some, despite ‘Elf’ being a cherished Christmas movie for many.
The Ebenezer Scrooges That Inspired ‘Spirited’
Refreshingly retelling Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol” on the big screen isn’t unique; viewers always seem eager for a taste of the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge. The 1951 adaptation is frequently considered a benchmark, as Entertainment Weekly stated, “Other interpretations of Christmas Carol shouldn’t even bother.” There are also musical adaptations like the 1970 movie “Scrooge“, the timeless “Muppet Christmas Carol“, and Netflix’s offering from 2022, “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol“.
In a unique twist, the creators of Spirited aim to offer a fresh take on the story, reminiscent of the 1988 movie Scrooged, featuring Bill Murray’s distinctive dry wit as the grumpy TV Executive Frank Cross. The film blends Murray’s biting sarcasm with sharp humor, memorable catchphrases, and the eventual moral message. Ryan Reynolds’ sarcasm seems to echo Murray’s, making Spirited seem like a fusion of the 1970’s version of Scrooge and the 1988 version of Scrooged. These films merely hint at the numerous adaptations of A Christmas Carol that have been made over time.
‘Spirited’ Wanted to Give a New Twist to ‘A Christmas Carol’
The filmmakers aimed to stand out among numerous adaptations, yet preserve an element of traditionality, resulting in a blend that’s intriguing yet complex. It’s daring, but the abundance of events on screen and its busy narrative require careful viewing, as they significantly alter Dickens’ timeless storyline. An innovative twist is given to Ebenezer Scrooge, who is portrayed as the Ghost of Christmas Present, a choice acknowledged by the film (as Jacob Marley advises Scrooge to “stay true to the script” upon revealing his identity). Reynolds takes on the role of Clint Briggs, a ruthless and self-centered businessman who thrives at others’ expense. Each year, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Ferell) and his team choose a deserving individual for redemption, and this time it’s Briggs’ turn.>
In his journey through his past, present, and future while dealing with spirits, Brigg appears as a hopeless case who doubts that individuals can transform, seeming beyond redemption much like Ebenezer Scrooge was viewed. However, Scrooge is given the opportunity to step down from being the Christmas Present Ghost and embrace a human life filled with Kimberley’s affection (portrayed by Octavia Spencer), but he fears that he’ll slip back into his old, unkind habits. Ultimately, Briggs and Scrooge aid one another in their personal transformations.
Why Might ‘Spirited’ Have Slipped Through the Net?
The movie “Spirited” has all the ingredients to become a new holiday classic, but it attempts to cover too many aspects simultaneously. Clocking in at over two hours, it’s packed with numerous musical sequences, written by Pesek and Paul, the duo behind the soundtracks for “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land”. Even one of the characters, Marley (played by Patrick Page), questions if another song is really needed.
But nestled within the musical overload are shining gems like “The View,” where Kimberley reflects on her place in the world, and “Good Afternoon,” a comical farce poking fun at Victorian insults. This rousing number has the drive of the street scenes found in the 1970 version, and is wonderfully choreographed with great production design. Anders told The LA Times, “It took a lot of work because it’s so over the top and ridiculous and has so many moving parts, but it’s just so much fun.”
In an interesting twist, Anders and Morris made another Christmas movie in 2017 titled Daddy’s Home 2, featuring Will Ferrell alongside Mark Wahlberg, focusing on male relationships. Unlike the comedy of Daddy’s Home 2, the new film Spirited aims for a more heartfelt approach. The movie’s tone changes significantly, from light-hearted moments like the Ghost of Christmas Past (Sunita Mani) and Briggs flirting to present-day characters earnestly singing the emotional ballad “Unredeemable.” To be honest, it seems a bit overly sincere at times.
Does ‘Spirited’ Deserve a Christmas Miracle?
During the holiday season, there’s a sense of nostalgia in the air, and with networks like TBS and others playing timeless classics, it becomes effortless to think, “Things just aren’t made as they used to be.” Crafting a modern Christmas classic is never an easy feat. Although it didn’t quite reach the transcendent heights of other Christmas Carol adaptations and likely won’t become a film that demands annual viewings, Spirited is still worth watching for its bold ambition, even if it falls short of its lofty goals. Apple certainly didn’t skimp on the budget for this production.
Experience the extravagant, high-quality filmmaking that sweeps you away on an exhilarating journey! The actors’ fantastic chemistry truly shines. If you’re an Apple TV+ subscriber and enjoy Christmas movies, it’s highly recommended to give Spirited a try. With the comfort of your couch inviting you during this festive season, follow Scrooge’s transformation and take a chance on Spirited, ensuring it doesn’t slip from memory. You can watch Spirited via the link provided below:
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2024-12-18 06:01