Streaming Recommendation: SPIRITED (on AppleTV+)

When I sat down to watch the new AppleTV+ Original Holiday Film SPIRITED (starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds) I thought I’d be watching your typical “buddy film” where 2 opposites learn to work together and bond as friends while learning the true meaning of Christmas.

And…I got that…but it was wrapped in a charming, musical “take” on A Christmas Carol that was funny, poignant, uplifting, self-aware, sincere and completely surprising.

And…yes…I said MUSICAL.

So let’s start with the songs written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Tony Award winners for Broadway’s DEAR EVAN HANSEN). They are perfectly suited for the affair going on in this film and they tailor the songs to the capabilities of “perfectly acceptable” singers Ferrell and Reynolds. The fact that they are aided by Broadway performers such as Patrick Page (HADESTOWN) and Singer Dancers like Sunita Mani and this film moves along in a “spirited” fashion. This musical could easily be adapted to the stage - and I’m sure it will be in no time at all.

Director Sean Anders (THAT’S MY BOY) knows exactly what kind of entertainment he is making and does not shy away from that - in fact he leans into the musical elements of this film, often having his performers commenting on the fact that they are about to break into song.

Anders, wisely tapped Chloe Arnold (the video SYNCOPATED LADIES) to choreograph SPIRITED and she pulls no punches, breaking into FULL Broadway dancing (including “Jazz Hands”) with just the right amount of irony and sincerity sprinkled in.

This helps Ferrell and Reynolds move through a better-than-expected script that treads familiar territory, but is as comfortable as a well worn Christmas Sweater. They are accompanied by the aforementioned Page (Marley) and Mani (Christmas Past) as well as the voice of Tracy Morgan (Christmas Yet-To-Come), amongst others.

Special mention needs to be made of the always good Octavia Spencer who sheds her “best friend” role for a romantic lead (who sings!) and she NAILS it! It’s great when a very talented individual gets a chance to showcase tools in their performance kit and Spencer shines throughout.

An unexpected surprise, SPIRITED got me into the Holiday mood quickly and, I’m sure, I’ll be showing it to friends and family at the Holidays for years to come.

Letter Grade: A- (it does drag a little bit in the middle)

8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)