In the new film “Spirited”, Will Ferrell stars as The Ghost of Christmas Present and we learn that every year he and his team select one individual to redeem. They then spend the next year with their crew building sets to recreate an individual’s past, as well as other necessary components, to complete their mission. This year that someone is Clint Briggs, played by Ryan Reynolds.

Briggs has built a fortune by destroying others for the benefit of his clients and seems to take great pleasure in bringing down others. He also has a very cold and distant relationship with his Niece and brother as well as his employee Kimberly (Octavia Spencer), who is good at what she does but has deep regrets about her work.

When it is learned that Clint is only the second person in history to be tagged beyond redemption, Present takes up the challenge to redeem Clint who turns out to be the biggest challenge he has ever faced.

The duo then jumps in and out of elements of Clint’s life, past, present, and future, and in the process Present questions aspects of his past, his wishes, and goals often with comedy-laden results.

What really sets the film into overdrive are the funny and catchy musical numbers that pop up, as Reynolds and Ferrell sing and dance their way through numbers with loads of charm, energy, and humor. The supporting cast is great and the music will have you smiling and singing along. The movie was a real pleasure and I can see Spirited becoming a new holiday tradition in our home and one that I think can become a modern classic.

The Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Story has had many adaptations over the decades, and the timeless tale of redemption has become a holiday tradition for many. This interesting take on the traditional story adds to the texture of a now legendary tale.

Spirited is in theaters November 11 and streaming November 18 on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_Spirited

4 stars out of 5.

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