Spirited

I don't like Christmas movies, I don't like musicals, and guess what was the Monday mystery movie... yup, a Christmas musical. So clearly I'm not the target audience, but I try to watch everything so here we are. So many people walked out as this was the Monday mystery movie, it was actually disrespectful. I saw a leak post earlier saying it was going to be spirited so I was a little mentally prepared and actually tried to enjoy it.

Pretty upbeat just like any other Christmas movie. It starts out as a kid's movie, guess most musicals are, but still has some 'dirty' jokes as it goes on. Runtime's way longer than the actual plot was due to the singing. It got a couple good laughs; at times felt more of a comedy than musical. A good blend of Reynolds and Farrells humor, if you're a fan of either you might enjoy it.

Actually could have been more bearable for me if it wasn't a musical, every time I was about to forget it is someone started singing; after a while there's longer periods between the songs, and other moments when songs are squeezed together, mostly at the beginning of the movie and at the end. So there actually wasn't as much singing, you almost forget it's a musical in the middle.

I think the camerawork and production set felt like it was set up on stage so it felt like a theatre play. Songs aren't as catchy, I only recall if two that had me.

The story is pretty predictable on how it's going to end, it's just the journey of getting there. My favorite parts were when the singing was abruptly cut, singing aside its a decent movie. I just want to say you don't have to make a Christmas movie every year, it's almost impressive how they keep churning them out. I don't think this is a terrible addition, but Love, Actually is still the only Christmas movie I actually love.

First things first-it's Will Ferrel and Ryan Reynolds. Why are so many self-proclaimed movie experts (and Ferrel and zReynolds "super fans") expecting an Oscar-winning movie?! The script was uneven, the singing in many cases not great, the songs were cheesy, and-shockingly-the plot was predictable. Jeez...the original story is going on 200 years old. What so many seem to forget is that the story is about redemption and they did a great job making a campy, happy, silly version. It is fun. I'm very glad I watched it. Time well spent for a classic theme, and I'll probably tech it again this week. And yes, Octavia Spencer is awesome.

This movie was fantastic! A fresh look at a classic tale led by two hilarious actors. The humor was irreverent and meta, which I loved. It looked and felt fresh.

The dancing and singing was top notch, too (not just the leads, but the whole cast/chorus). It somehow took all the best parts of musicals and yet managed to tease itself about being a pastiche of musicals without being mean. This had to have been written by theater nerds like myself. (Can we talk about the Howard Hill flavor in the Christmas tree number? *swoon*)

And I have to shout out the cast/chorus again. With such big names heading this, they probably don't get the applause they deserve. They were amazing!

The leads were pretty good - honestly way better than I expected (except for Octavia Spencer because I already knew she'd be incredible). I don't think I've heard Ryan Reynolds sing before, so I wasn't sure how it'd go. And Will Ferrell is a comedic genius - when he's in the right film. He can sometimes play the exact same character over and over. Luckily, this film was the right one because it allowed him to show heart, gravitas, silliness, and depth.

The costuming was intensely good. The costumes told a story as much as the writing did. And now I totally want that Santa bomber jacket.

I just finished watching it for the first time and now I'm going to go watch it 30 more times.

Not perfect but highly entertaining - I could watch Ryan and Will banter all day. Background dancers were amazing and the singing from the leads was decent, particularly Octavia and Ryan. Will struggled with the singing the most and had the most solos but it was easy to give him a pass because he embraces his character so well. The singing is still less annoying than the live singing in Cats. This doesn't have the memorable music of The Greatest Showman but the first big number will stick in your head. Definitely a feel good Christmas movie with an original take on the classic story.

Music C+ Dancing A+ Sets A+ Story B+

This is a modern musical take on the Christmas classic Dickensian tale, A Christmas Carol starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds.

It is well done with neat effects, lavish song and dance numbers aplenty, fresh comedic takes on love at the holidays and full of heart with all things family.

It is as fun as it is endearing.

There is a fascinating twist involving the origin of Ferrell's character and his actual identity in the film and from whence and where he actually came from.

Ryan Reynolds always does what he does best and does it here as well, and that is, basically being Ryan Reynolds. But here he also sings and dances and does both quite well.

My favorite song in this production is, Good Afternoon! This is an entertaining and funny bit as well as a running gag throughput the remainder of the movie which makes it all the more enjoyable.

Are there better movie versions of A Christmas Carol? Yes. Of course.

I love Disney's A Christmas Carol, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Scrooge, and Scrooged.

Are there better movie musicals? Absolutely.

La La Land. Moulin Rouge for starters.

But this is a nice, comedic Christmas musical very much in the holiday spirit and should be experienced as such.

And it should be seen and heard in the theater.

Maybe go to a matinee. Good Afternoon!