The moving adventure of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve, imagined by Charles Dickens in 1843, serves as the starting point for this very contemporary story where the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future continue their work in order to have a positive effect on the world. The person they hope to transform this year, however, gives them a hard time.
There are countless adaptations of the famous novel by Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. The transformation of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge into a benevolent old man, who wants to redeem himself and do good around him still strikes the imagination almost 200 years later. This new interpretation is frankly original and completely in the spirit of Christmas.
The presence of Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, who seem to be having fun together, is a big plus. Will Ferrell (the unforgettable Buddy, in the Christmas classic elf) borrows the features of the present Christmas Ghost, who is going through an existential crisis. Disheartened by the nastiness on social media and the splits in society, he questions the efforts made for nearly two centuries to improve humanity. That’s saying something since he, along with his old friend Jacob Marley (Patrick Page), finds himself at the head of a formidable production team, which prepares meticulously each year to bring a person to become nice, the day before of Christmas.
Despite Jacob’s warnings, the present Ghost of Christmas insists on trying to save a shameless marketing consultant, in order to prove that no cause is truly lost. Ryan Reynolds (Free Guy, Deadpool) has the charisma to slip into the skin of super manipulator Clint Briggs, who doesn’t hesitate to lie, regardless of the consequences on others. The cunning expert leads the present Ghost of Christmas to question himself, while being placed before the impact of his own actions.
Dynamic and varied numbers
Director and co-writer Sean Anders dazzles in this high-profile musical, where the lead actors (including Octavia Spencer) sing in tune, but don’t stand out in that regard. This does not detract from their performance. The dance numbers are dynamic and very varied (there’s even tap dancing) and the songs are catchy, thanks to the contribution of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the famous duo of composers and lyricists behind La La Land and The Greatest Showman.
The comedy goes in several directions, often in very creative ways. It’s sometimes too much, but also very funny. With its unique way of highlighting the positive role that everyone can have, by making better choices. Spirited is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Musical comedy
Spirited (vf Christmas spirit)
Sean Anders
Starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Octavia Spencer
On Apple TV+
2:07 a.m.