Apple Original Films has announced the release of a new version of the sing-along Christmas comedy Funny Starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer in over 100 theaters across the US starting Friday, December 16th. Some songs are considered contenders for Best Original Song.
The film features original songs by Oscar, Grammy and Tony winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, dear Evan Hansen, the greatest showman) had a limited theatrical run in the US on November 11 before coming to streamer Apple TV+ on November 18. In this version, all the songs are presented on screen in karaoke style with stylized lyrics, with each word displayed and highlighted so viewers can catch up in time.
This includes showstoppers Good afternoon, written by Pasek and Paul, Mark Sonnenblick, Sukari Jones and Khiyon Hursey. After Ferrell’s character insists that the phrase Good Afternoon was an insult at the time, he and Ferrell gleefully sing and dance (including tap dancing) through Dickensian London, throwing fire at strangers. The song and another, “Do A Little Good,” made the list of potential Oscar nominees.
Funny, directed by Sean Anders, will be shown in Cinemark and Megaplex theaters as well as other independent and regional exhibitors. Additional chains can be added later. There is no word on the end date for the run. The original film is still running in some places.
The sing-along version debuted in UK cinemas on 10 December.
Funny, deadline review here, is a new take on A Christmas Carol from the ghosts’ perspective. Ferrell, the Ghost of Christmas Present, singles out dark soul Clint Briggs (Reynolds) to be reformed by a visit from three ghosts, but the former Scrooge soon finds himself re-examining his own past, present and future. The characters themselves poke fun at the number of times Dickens’ classics have been made and remade on stage and screen in this wonderful song-and-dance comedy reminiscent of the golden age of movie musicals.
Other original songs include Bringin’ Back Christmas and That Christmas Mornin’ Feeling.
Choreographed by Chloe Arnold (The Late Late Show with James Corden).
pmc-u-font-size-14″>Writer pmc-u-font-size-14″>Writer: Jill Goldsmith
Source: Deadline
Bernice Bonaparte is an author and entertainment journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for pop culture and a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest entertainment news, Bernice has become a trusted source for information on the entertainment industry.
