THE BIG SCREEN REWIND
Get ready for a holiday treat as Apple’s original hit, Spirited, a musical comedy starring the dynamic duo of Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, makes its festive return to cinemas on Black Friday. Audiences will have the choice of immersing themselves in either the classic or the sing-along version of the film. Spirited offers a fresh twist on the traditional narrative of A Christmas Carol, portraying the story from the unique perspective of the ghosts responsible for enlightening the scrooges of the world.
Apple is set to revive the holiday cheer in cinemas with its original musical comedy, Spirited. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, this contemporary spin on the classic tale of A Christmas Carol will grace the silver screen once more, starting Black Friday, November 24 in the U.S. and Canada, and then on December 1 in the U.K. and Ireland. Perfectly timed for the festive season, this limited theatrical release includes both the original and the much-awaited sing-along versions, with Apple TV+ also adding the latter to its collection for those who wish to sing along at home.
Spirited takes a novel approach to Charles Dickens’s timeless story, offering a glimpse into Christmas Eve through the eyes of the insightful ghosts who help scrooges worldwide to see the error of their ways. The story centers on Clint Briggs (played by Reynolds), a media consultant whose soul is as dark as the winter night. He is deemed beyond redemption by the ghosts of Christmas Past (Sunita Mani), Present (Ferrell), and Yet to Come (voiced by Tracy Morgan). The ghost of Christmas Present is particularly determined to transform Clint from a mischief-maker to a man of virtue, but the plan goes awry when Clint unexpectedly turns the tables, leading Present to confront his own life’s journey.
The film’s creation was helmed by Sean Anders, the director of Instant Family and Daddy’s Home, who also co-wrote the screenplay with his regular collaborator John Morris. The musical scores, a vital component of the film, come from the Oscar-winning songwriting team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their contributions to La La Land and Only Murders in the Building. The stellar cast, including Reynolds, Ferrell, and Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, along with Sunita Mani, Tracy Morgan, Marlow Barkley, Patrick Page, Joe Tippett, Aimee Carrero, and Jen Tullock, brings the film’s delightful songs to life. Notably, Spirited marks Will Ferrell’s eagerly anticipated return to holiday-themed movies since his 2003 hit Elf.
‘Spirited’ Breathes New Life into a Time-Honored Story
Launched during last year’s holiday season, Spirited quickly garnered acclaim as a new holiday favorite, thanks to its blend of a talented cast, captivating musical numbers, and a perfect balance of warmth and wit. Rotten Tomatoes rates it at a commendable 71% among critics, with audience approval even higher at 81%. Ross Bonaime of FilmSweep awarded the film a B-, noting, “While Spirited retells a familiar tale, it does so with enough originality and emotional depth to make it a worthwhile watch.”
Currently available on Apple TV+, Spirited can also be enjoyed in theaters for a limited period starting November 24 in the U.S. and Canada, and from December 1 in the U.K. and Ireland. Don’t miss the trailer below.
WATCH ON APPLE TV+
