Ryan Reynolds Turns ‘Good Afternoon’ Into the Most Hilarious Insult in Spirited!

by

In many places across the globe, saying “Good afternoon” is a common and innocent greeting. However, in Spirited, Apple TV+’s exuberantly mischievous 2022 holiday musical, this simple phrase takes on an outrageously different meaning. The core of the transformation lies with Ryan Reynolds’ character, Clint Briggs, who turns the ordinary phrase into a wild anthem of defiance during the film’s most surprising and hilarious musical sequence.

The casual comment transforms into a captivating, rhythmic extravaganza titled “Good Afternoon,” which seamlessly merges grand Broadway bravado with side-splitting comedic turmoil. This catchy tune left spectators puzzling, “Was ‘good afternoon’ an insult in Victorian eras?” However, the truth behind its origin is intriguing and surprising. So, how did this seemingly absurd musical number take shape, and why does it resonate so profoundly? Let’s delve into the creation, performance, and unanticipated genius of the tune that defined the spirit (and wit) of Spirited.

Spirited’s Showstopping “Good Afternoon” Musical Number Explained

Clint Uses It As A Vicious Insult In The Song

The setting of a musical scene carries equal weight as the tune itself. In the movie, the “Good Afternoon” song occurs at a crucial point when Clint aims to disrupt Present (portrayed by Will Ferrell), who’s attempting to clear Clint’s name. However, this scene unfolds in Victorian England, which is Present’s homeland, and Clint sarcastically uses the phrase “Good afternoon” to silence Present during an argument.

Following Clint’s greeting “Good afternoon,” the movie bursts into an enthusiastic musical spectacle, echoing the phrase with a mischievous spirit. Clint and Present engage in a spirited performance of singing, dancing, and causing mayhem throughout the city streets. This performance, accompanied by marching bands, synchronized dancers, and a line of chaos, marks a significant shift in their relationship. The scene represents Clint’s assertion of power, yet it also reveals fissures in Present’s moral compass, adding layers of complexity to their connection.

Additionally, Dame Judi Dench briefly appears during the song, and a collapsing wall transforms into a dance floor, enhancing its lighthearted feel. Moreover, the deceptive ending of the song is bound to elicit some chuckles. “Good Afternoon” showcases the cast of Spirited delivering an amusing and noteworthy musical performance.

No, “Good Afternoon” Wasn’t An Insult — That’s Why Ryan Reynolds’ Idea Is So Hilarious

Scrooge Says The Phrase A Lot In A Christmas Carol

Contrary to common misconception, “Good afternoon” wasn’t considered a derogatory term during Victorian times. Instead, it served as the foundation for the lively musical number in the movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol, where Scrooge frequently says this phrase. Justin Paul, one of the songwriters behind “Good Afternoon,” explained its origin and Reynolds’ significant role in shaping the song. In an interview with The Playlist, Paul revealed these details about the creation process.

However, I believe the concept transforming it into such a vulgar slur might have originated from various sources, possibly the screenwriters or Ryan joining the project during development. What I remember distinctly is that when Benj and I first collaborated on this project, Ryan suggested, ‘Let me make this clear. My primary desire for this project is a song titled ‘Good Afternoon.’ It’s about employing the notion of this phrase being incredibly offensive, used as an insult in London,’ he said.

In the same interview, Reynolds elaborated on the song’s interpretation. He mentioned that his children have adopted the term “Good afternoon” and made it their own. More specifically, Reynolds stated:

– Reynolds explained the song’s significance in the interview.
– He noted that his kids have appropriated the phrase “Good afternoon.”
– In simple terms, Reynolds said that his offspring have embraced the term “Good afternoon” and put it to creative use.

The cultural aspect of it allows for a friendly greeting like “Good afternoon” to be used with anyone or everyone. My children have started doing this as well, and interestingly, they can sometimes respond negatively to it. For example, my three-year-old, believe it or not, genuinely does this: when someone says “Good afternoon,” she retorts with “How rude!” I find this amusing, as it shows the impact of my job is occasionally successful.

Beyond this point, it’s often expressed that the rest unfolds as expected. Yet, let me clarify that historical accuracy may not apply here, but “Good Afternoon” enlivens the humor in the film “Spirited,” making it an enjoyable Christmas comedy, and that certainly carries significant weight.

Read More

2025-04-28 00:15