Spirited Christian Review
The holidays bring with them a nostalgic rush, don’t they? Twinkling lights, chilly nights, and—of course—an endless parade of Christmas movies. And while the world hardly seems short on adaptations of A Christmas Carol, along comes Spirited—a movie that dares to shake things up. Yes, it’s another Dickens-inspired tale, but this one comes with a healthy dose of humor, toe-tapping musical numbers, and even Ryan Reynolds cracking wise alongside Will Ferrell’s chaotic charm. Let’s unpack this modern twist on an old classic through a Christian lens, shall we?
At Its Core: Redemption, Humor, and Heart
What’s A Christmas Carol without its central theme of redemption? If there’s one thing Spirited gets absolutely right, it’s this enduring truth: no one is too far gone to change. That’s a theme that resonates deeply with Christian audiences, echoing the idea that God’s grace is boundless. You can’t out-sin grace. You just can’t.
Ryan Reynolds plays Clint, the obligatory “unredeemable,” a man so thoroughly self-serving that even the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future seem ready to throw in the towel. But here’s where the magic happens. Through his interactions with Will Ferrell’s Present—yes, that’s the ghost’s actual name—Clint’s story becomes a slow unraveling of hardened cynicism, revealing a heart that’s still capable of change. It’s messy and often hilarious, but isn’t that how growth works?
Musical Moments That Sing
Let’s talk about the music. I’ll admit, musicals aren’t for everyone. Maybe you cringe at characters bursting into song mid-conversation, but Spirited doesn’t just use its music as filler. The songs carry weight. They’re fun and self-aware, sure, but they also drive the story forward. One standout number, Good Afternoon, is both absurdly funny and oddly poignant—like the whole movie in a nutshell.
Here’s the thing: musicals have a way of communicating emotion that plain dialogue just can’t. When Ferrell and Reynolds belt out their insecurities or newfound hopes, it’s hard not to feel a little something. Singing and dancing might seem frivolous, but they carry a universal joy that mirrors the Psalms’ invitation to “make a joyful noise” (Psalm 100:1). In a way, the music is part of what makes the movie feel so alive, even when it stumbles.
A Balancing Act: Comedy Meets Heart
One of the trickiest things Spirited pulls off is balancing its comedy with sincerity. Let’s face it—when you’ve got Ryan Reynolds in the mix, you expect snark, and you get plenty of it. His quick wit bounces beautifully off Ferrell’s earnest goofiness, creating a dynamic that’s both hilarious and endearing. It’s a little like watching that one uncle at Christmas dinner who never stops joking finally have a heartfelt moment. You laugh, but you also get a little misty-eyed.
The humor, though, isn’t just for laughs. It sets the stage for the deeper stuff. There’s a clever self-awareness in the script—yes, the movie knows it’s standing on the shoulders of Dickens, and it leans into that. It pokes fun at itself and the genre, but not in a way that feels disrespectful. For Christians, this approach might even feel refreshing. It’s like the filmmakers are saying, “We know you’ve seen this before, but trust us—there’s still something new to say.”
Lessons for All
What really stands out in Spirited is how it wrestles with some big questions: Can people truly change? What does it mean to live a life that matters? At its heart, this movie isn’t just about Christmas; it’s about transformation. And transformation is at the very center of the Christian faith.
When Clint begins to see himself through the eyes of others, it’s not just a narrative device—it’s a mirror for the audience. How often do we justify selfishness because it’s easier than choosing love or kindness? Watching Clint wrestle with his choices, you might find yourself reflecting on your own. That’s what a good redemption story does—it nudges you toward introspection.
Family Fun with Some Caveats
Now, let’s be clear—Spirited isn’t going to land the same way for everyone. Families looking for something cozy and traditional might find the humor a little too edgy or the pacing a bit too frenetic. There’s nothing overly offensive here, but some jokes might sail over younger kids’ heads or feel a tad sharp for more conservative viewers. It’s PG-13 for a reason, but it’s a relatively mild PG-13.
Still, there’s a lot here for families to enjoy together. The themes of kindness, generosity, and second chances are universal. Even if the humor isn’t your cup of tea, the heart of the movie is big enough to win over most audiences. And honestly, isn’t it nice to see a holiday movie that doesn’t rely on slapstick or recycled tropes?
Faith Meets Fun
For Christian viewers, Spirited offers a surprising amount of substance beneath its flashy surface. The movie’s take on redemption might not be explicitly religious, but it’s impossible to miss the parallels to the Gospel. Ferrell’s Ghost of Christmas Present could almost be seen as a Christlike figure—someone who steps into Clint’s mess, not to condemn him, but to guide him toward something better. It’s not a perfect metaphor, but the echoes are there.
There’s also a lot to be said for the way Spirited handles forgiveness. At one point, Clint is faced with the question of whether he can forgive himself for past mistakes. It’s a poignant reminder that while forgiveness from others is important, true healing often comes when we accept the grace offered to us. For Christians, this idea of grace—undeserved, freely given—is at the heart of our faith. And while Spirited doesn’t spell that out explicitly, it leaves room for viewers to connect the dots.
Not Without Flaws
Of course, Spirited isn’t perfect. There are moments when the story feels a bit overstuffed, like the filmmakers tried to cram in one too many ideas. The self-aware humor, while clever, might not work for everyone. And let’s not forget—it’s a musical. If you’re not on board with that from the start, this might not be the movie for you.
But here’s the thing: the imperfections don’t overshadow what the movie gets right. In fact, they make it feel a little more human. Life is messy, growth is messy, and Spirited embraces that. It’s not polished to a fault, and that’s part of its charm.
A New Holiday Tradition?
So, is Spirited destined to become a holiday classic? Maybe. It’s not Elf, but it doesn’t need to be. What it offers is something fresh—something that feels uniquely suited to our times. It’s a movie that dares to be both funny and heartfelt, both irreverent and deeply sincere.
For Christian audiences, it’s a reminder of the transformative power of grace and the joy of giving. For everyone else, it’s just plain fun. Either way, it’s worth a watch.
Final Thoughts: 8/10
Spirited is more than just a movie—it’s an invitation to laugh, reflect, and maybe even sing along. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
