As the days grow shorter and the scent of gingerbread fills the air, it is once again time to curl up with a feel-good Christmas movie. Since it truly is the season to be jolly, what better way to usher in the festive cheer than with a movie that combines laughter and enchantment with a melodic twist? Unlike the typical heartstring-tugging tales of the past, the unconventional Spirited, with its dynamic duo of Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, has become a crown jewel of holiday watchlists. 

In addition to its star-studded cast, here are five reasons why this 2022 flick should be your top pick for Christmas.

A modern twist on an age-old tale

In the hunt for a Christmas-themed saga, viewers’s choices are saturated with cliché-filled flicks and predictable plotlines. While Spirited is based on a Charles Dickens novella from the 1800s, it is anything but ancient in its storytelling. This contemporary spin on A Christmas Carol is seasoned with plenty of satire. As explained best by its headlining actors in a YouTube video, it is a Christmas comedy unlike any other. 

Spirited is not just a retelling of a classic, but also a melting pot of genres seamlessly woven together. What makes it a standout choice among other adaptations of the Ebenezer Scrooge tale is the way it brings together elements of comedy, fantasy, and even a touch of drama. Despite the dark comedy twists in it, the flick is rated PG-13, which makes it safe for family viewing too. It will also leave one questioning certain aspects of life.

Heartwarming hilarity with a message

Beneath the many layers of laughter and musical merriment, Spirited weaved a heartwarming tale dipped in a meaningful lesson. From social media harassment to cut-throat competition at work and school, the themes that the flick explored all carried a relevance to present-day dilemmas that many face in life. Through the classic trope of the present, past, and future, Spirited forces one to rethink one’s actions in life. 

Amidst its guilt-driven chaos, it manages to tug at viewers’ heartstrings by reminding them that the true spirit of Christmas lies not only in festive decorations and merry melodies but also in the connections one forges. Similar to Dickens’ story, it imparts a message of joy, all the while finding humor even in the most unexpected places. 

Despite its philosophical takes on life, the film managed to keep the real-time laughter tracks running through an amazing partnership between its main cast. 

The unparalleled dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell

When Reynolds’ quick-witted banter is combined with the slapstick genius of Will Ferrell, the result is a comedic explosion of epic proportions. This duo’s on-screen chemistry in Spirited is nothing short of magical: a blend of humor and camaraderie that takes the film to new heights. Throughout the movie, Reynolds’ character: Clint Briggs’ deadpan delivery finds a perfect partner in Ferrell’s larger-than-life comedic persona.

Well, both actors are comedy legends in their own right. With some on-point comedic timing and a symphony of anecdote-filled tracks, they managed to create an effortlessly uplifting flick that went beyond a mere holiday movie. Since the banter between them is the heart and soul of the film, it certainly makes a compelling watch for a laughter-filled Christmas. 

Not to forget the way in which it keeps audiences humming along to its silly tunes. 

The enchanting musical score of Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell singing 

As the comedic duo takes center stage with their singing antics, the musical score of Spirited with a side of silliness serves as an open challenge to traditional Christmas carols. Out of the twelve tracks the movie boasts of, the majority include vocals from Ferrell while Reynolds, who is buzzing at the prospect of an Oscar nomination for his musical work in it, features in five.

Composed with finesse and flair, the soundtracks from musical maestros: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, surely stole the show. As their genius minds that have produced musical hits like La La Land and The Greatest Showman are combined with the raw singing talent of the Deadpool and Elf actors, Spirited comes together as a musical feast for the ears.  

While the soundtracks will have viewers tapping their toes and humming along, the visuals will keep them glued to their screens. 

The spectacular cinematography in Spirited 

While Spirited certainly does not take itself too seriously in the humor department, it certainly delivers on the visual front. From its larger-than-life holiday decorations to the whimsical North Pole shenanigans, the film boasts a visual spectacle that rivals the most iconic Christmas displays. Through its $75 million budget, the makers were able to create a vibrant and visually stunning backdrop for all its supernatural-themed hilarity to unfold.

Now, as the film is returning to theaters for a 2023 rerun, fans could even marvel at the cast’s physical comedy and the visually captivating elements on the big screen. Its fantastical setting combined with stellar acting and singing performances roped in a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. So, for those looking to find joy in the quirkiest of holiday films, Spirited will make for the perfect watch this Christmas.

Are you looking forward to adding Spirited to your Christmas watchlist? Or maybe even willing to head to the theater to enjoy this cinematic flick? Share your answers in the comments.