Give me a Ryan Reynolds film any day and I'll watch it without delay! Imagine my excitement when I saw this Christmas movie on the streaming site that I use. No movie producer or director ever gets it wrong with this iconic actor, he's just that good (in my opinion). His humour and charisma make his films fascinating and watchworthy. Plus, he's good-looking!
Unlike the usual predictable festive films that Hallmark and Lifetime channels pump out every year that have become quite boring, this one is certainly going to be a classic. Not because Ryan Reynolds is in it (though it's a major part of the reason), but because the musical numbers and choreographies are outstanding. I understand some critics have mixed reviews about it.
So far in the past two weeks, I have watched about three movies that are a retelling of the popular Charles Dicken A Christmas Carol (1843) story, one of the most remarkable stories in literary history that have been retold and reworked in many ways. Maybe it's a theme for Hollywood this year but Spirited (2022) gives this popular story a new and thrilling light.
If you are familiar with A Christmas Carol story, you'll know there's usually a Scrooge (a miserly and mean person in need of a change) and three Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future (who work to change the Scrooge).
In this musical comedy, Clint Briggs (played by Ryan Reynolds) is the Scrooge deemed to be unredeemable by the afterlife spirits. But Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Will Ferrell) is the Ghost of Christmas Present and believes Clint can change. When he begins to relate with Clint, Ebenezer realises he has taken up a very hard if not impossible task and thereby evaluates his own life. Will Ebenezer succeed in changing Clint Briggs into a better person?
Review
This is one Christmas movie that I believe won't age as the years go by. It's that good and enchanting! It stands out from other retellings with the major twist of Clint turning the tables on Ebenezer, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and getting him to question his past, present and future. That's never been done in the retellings I've watched.
The cast is great and has good synergy. Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrel are a fantastic duo and make a great fit. Octavia Spencer is a delightful gift in this film. Her performance is commendable. She's like that soft glue that binds Ryan and Will together, making their story perfect. Who knew she could sing? Or more like who knew any of them could sing so beautifully?
I love the way the cast handled the music and danced with heart and excitement. Their voices were sweet, soulful and compelling such that you want to keep watching them sing. I re-watched the musical and dance scenes again after the movie ended.
A fascinating part of this film is the choreography. The ensemble of dancers is energetic, showing off a variety of moves syncing with the beats and dozens of flashlights. I love the tap dancing more. I can't imagine the work that went into this production.
So if you want something that will put you in the holiday mood with some good laughs, then I'll recommend this film. It's a light-hearted and fun watch for the family. The dance scenes, sparkling set designs, lyrics, witty scenes thanks to Ryan Reynolds, great acting and fantastic location selection make it watchworthy.
I'm definitely adding this film to my holiday favourites. If you have watched it, let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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Other images are screenshots from the movie