Is “Spirited” A new Christmas must watch?

Dancing, comedy, music, romance and Ryan Reynolds – what else could a person ask for in a Christmas musical? The 2003 Elf alum Will Ferrell has once again created a Christmas classic with the movie “Spirited,” and who better to do it with than the one and only Reynolds? These two are an iconic duo, both shining as comedic geniuses. Ferrell and Reynolds are just some of the star-studded names on the running credits. “Spirited” was directed and co-written by Sean Anders from "Daddy's Home" with songs by the award winning "La La Land'' team.

Any viewer can feel the similarities between “La La Land” and “Spirited,” both displaying incredible levels of Broadway-level singing and dancing. Combining all these extraordinary talents is a recipe for a sweet and spicy holiday treat.

“Spirited” takes Charles Dickens' classic,“Christmas Story” and flips it entirely on its head with all of the bells and whistles to be expected in a Christmas musical set in a dream world. Ferrell, who plays the ghost of Christmas Present, stumbles upon the quick-witted and highly successful Clint Briggs (Reynolds), who has been deemed "unredeemable" in the eyes of the ghosts. Thus, Present and the team of the other ghosts and helpers set out to help Briggs see his wrongdoings.

Even though this movie is a new personal Christmas must-watch, many people would disagree with me. They may come with the opinion that “Spirited” may not prove unique enough to separate it from the other hundreds of Christmas movies that people devour come winter. Nevertheless, in defense of “Spirited,” do those other movies have Mrs. Octavia Spencer? I don't think so! Spencer's voice is an absolute treat and gave me literal goosebumps.

To give credit where it is due, Reynolds was born for Broadway and did a magnificent job, and Ferrell is so earnest and committed that I could easily overlook his sensible decision to use autotune when needed. Also, the background dancers are the unsung heroes of this film, each giving a genuinely magnificent performance with complex choreography that draws the viewer into the fictional world straight away. Thus, Dickens' fable has received a nuanced retelling brought together by a team of brilliant artists. “Spirited'' is now exclusively available to stream via Apple TV Plus. Set a couple of hours aside this Christmas break and enter into the magical world that is “Spirited.”