Spirited movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Spirited

This feel-good musical comedy is now available exclusively on Apple TV+.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 7 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B+

IN A NUTSHELL:

A musical version of Charles Dickens’s story of a miserly misanthrope who is taken on a magical journey.

THINGS I LIKED:

Who doesn’t adore Ryan Reynolds? (Those who don’t like the same character he plays in almost every role he does.) Well, now we know he can sing too! This is his first musical ever.
I know some people don’t like Will Ferrell, but I get a kick out of him most of the time. What I love about him is that he doesn’t seem to take himself seriously and is up for any gag, joke, or physical humor.
Both Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell were each paid $20 MILLION dollars for being in this movie! The total amount spent on the cast alone was $75 MILLION!
This is the second adaptation of A Christmas Carol that Patrick Page has been in.
You’ll get a kick out of the celebrity cameos.
This cute musical explains that the afterlife is a musical. Yay! I knew it! 😊
There’s a funny shout-out to Judy Dench and her age. She’s such a national treasure.
There are a couple of sweet twists.
Fun, energetic choreography. The fantastic tap dancing was a fun bonus.
The movie isn’t a traditional Christmas movie, but because it features elements from A Christmas Carol and some holiday décor, it makes a fun addition to the movies that come out in November to get us in the mood for the most magical time of the year!
In between the bouncy musical numbers, there is some social commentary we should consider about the priorities in our own lives.
Keep watching during the final rolling credits for a musical reprise.
The ultimate test of a movie might be if you’d watch it again. For me, it’s a yes. Some of the jokes fly fast and furiously, especially the lyrics in the songs, so I’m sure I missed some fun content.
This is the kind of Christmas show that’ll put a goofy grin on your face. We need more of those.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I get a kick out of Will Ferrell, but readily admit his singing isn’t the greatest. That being said, none of the leading singers were very good, but still plenty better than how I can sing.
Not all of the humor lands.
We don’t need all of the crude humor. Making jokes palatable for adults who watch this with their kids doesn’t mean the humor has to be vulgar.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some profanity
Some crude jokes
We see a naked Will Ferrell in the shower from the waist up
Will Ferrell flips the bird

THEMES:

Can people change?
Redemption
Ripples of our kindness
Your choices make you who you are.
Do a little good
The afterlife
Priorities
Past, present, future
Choices and consequences

FUNNY LINES:

“Does someone clear out our search history when we die?” – guy in an office
“Hey Margo, I was just avoiding you.” – Present (Will Ferrell)
“He’s like the perfect combination of Mussolini and Seacrest.” – Present (Will Ferrell)
“Your accent blows.” – Present (Will Ferrell)
“The ghost of Ramadan past goes to Hanukkah yet to come. It’s a whole thing. You’re going to love it.” – Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds)

INTERESTING LINES:

“One person’s kindness can have a ripple effect.” – Present (Will Ferrell)
“Our choices make us who we are.” – Present (Will Ferrell)
“Your sacrifice would have no meaning if there were no consequence.” – Marley (Patrick Page)
“Consider the consequences.” – Marley (Patrick Page) “Consider the possibilities.” – Present (Will Ferrell)