Dickens classic for Twitter age
‘Spirited’ considers if the Christmas ghosts would still be effective in the modern era.
Like many onscreen Scrooges before him, Ryan Reynolds’ character in “Spirited” is told that he will face his past, present and future. But he surprises even the spirit haunting him upon raising his hand and asking: “Like ‘A Christmas Carol’?
The Dickens story? The Bill Murray movie with Bobcat Goldthwait?”
“Yes, yes!” he is told. “Like the Dickens book, and the Bill Murray movie, and every other adaptation nobody asked for!”
This irreverent humor is part of what makes “Spirited” — now playing in select theaters and streaming beginning Friday on Apple TV+ — a Christmas miracle in itself. With some strategic reframing, updated characters and many weeks of dance rehearsals, “Spirited”
Rated: PG-13, for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements. Running time: 2 hours, 7 minutes
Playing: Regency Bruin Theatre, Westwood and Regal LA Live, downtown Los Angeles; available Friday on Apple TV+