Spirited (2022)

 'Spirited' is one of those movies that seemingly came out of nowhere, I knew nothing about it until it was in theaters. This is probably because it was produced by Apple for their Apple+ streaming service. It has been given a fairly wide theatrical release, which is good and probably because of its big stars and how much money they spent on it ($75 million). I worry that after its theatrical run the movie will mostly disaper, exiled to a it's lesser watched streaming service, this would be a shame because 'Spirited' is actually quite good.

Unlike so many recentish Christmas movie theatrical relasses, which have a brief run and then are forgotten, like 'Four Christmases'  and 'Fred Claus', 'Spirited' could have some real staying power, provided people have options to see it in the coming years.

'Spirited' is deconstructed 'A Christmas Carol' by way of buddy comedy. Jacob Marley (Patrick Page) and his team of ghosts have been putting Scrooge types through the paces since the mid 19th century, each year selecting a different grouch for potential salvation, and amassing a very solid success record. But it's all become kind of pat for Ghost of Christmas Present Will Ferrell, who craves a challange and something on a bigger scale then a neighborhood Karen or jerk boss. While scouting out the next year's potential candidate, an a-hole Canadian hotel manager, Present stumbles upon Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds). 

Briggs is a media consultant who specializes in fomenting manufactured outrage, he's done a lot of karmaic damage to the world and has been labeled "unredemable" by whoever in the celestial bureaucracy makes those calls. But Present is sure that he can save him, redeem his soul, have a big positive impact on the world, and releave the self doubt he's been hidding. However things go off script early in the hunting and Present and Briggs end up on a wild, comic adventure of mutual self discovery.

It works. I hadn't thought of Reynolds playing "Scrooge" before but the moment you hear the concept it makes perfect sense. Ferrell makes Present a mildly depressive counterpart to his Buddy the Elf,  committed, deeply sincere, and wanting to see the best in everyone. The two leads have a good chemistry, and the supporting cast which includes Octavia Spencer, Sunita Mani, and the voice of Tracy Morgan as The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, are solid. This is also a musical, catchy songs that I've been listing to in the days since seeing the movie. 'Spirited' is spirited, an enjoyable watch I hope to see again, provided I can find access to it. ***