Elf Review

Thoughts: Elf, Will Farrell's modern classic Christmas comedy, and one of the best Christmas films in recent years. Elf is about an guy named Buddy that was adopted by elves from the North Pole and is raised as an elf until Papa Elf tells him that he is human and Buddy goes to find his real father. What makes Elf enjoyable is how awkward Buddy is in the real world with his simple elf sensibilities. Isn't funny that the director of the first Iron Man film, Jon Favreau, directed this family comedy? Although, Marvel has always been great at getting unlikely directors to tackle big franchises and make it work brilliantly.


Directed by: Jon Favreau
Genre: Comedy, Christmas, Family, Fantasy,
Release Date: November 7, 2003
Running Time: 97 minutes
MMPA rating: PG


The Good: Will Farrell is hilarious, Great humor throughout, Fun and entertaining throughout, Perfect Christmas feel, Zooey Deschanel is great, Many memorable moments,

The Bad:



Plot: The following plot summary is copied from Wikipedia.com.
An elf, simply dubbed Papa Elf (Bob Newhart), explains that, in addition to the boring job of making shoes and the dangerous job of baking cookies in a tree, elves make toys for Santa Claus at the North Pole. During a stop at an orphanage, a male infant named Buddy, captivated by the sight of a teddy bear, crawls into Santa Claus's (Edward Asner) sack of gifts while he is delivering toys to an orphanage on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus unknowingly takes the baby back to the North Pole, where Papa Elf volunteers to raise him.
Once grown up, Buddy (Will Ferrell) remains unaware of his status as a human. Papa Elf makes him his apprentice, explaining that he repairs the "Kringle 3000, 500 Reindeer-Power" jet engine, which he invented when the Christmas Spirit that powers the sleigh started declining after people started to stop believing in Santa Claus, forcing him to build the engine to assist Santa. Unfortunately, Buddy is bigger than the elves, and is unable to use the tiny items used by the elves. As a result of that and his toy making skills being inferior than elf's, he is unable to keep up with the elves' high quotas, and despite the elves' assurances that he's just "special", is demoted to a demeaning job testing the toys the elves make. While working, he overhears a conversation where another elf reveals that he is a human. Papa Elf reveals that Buddy was born to Walter Hobbs (James Caan) and Susan Wells and given up for adoption, and that Walter never knew of his existence. He explains how Susan later died and that Walter now works at a children's book company in New York City. Buddy is convinced by a talking snowman named Leon (Leon Redbone) to go to New York City and find his father. Buddy sets out for a long trip to New York to find his father after saying goodbye to his friends.
Watch the movie to see what happens next.


Plot: 8.2/10- You will not find any shocking plot twists in Elf, however the film's plot is simple and fun one that delivers the Christmas cheer.

Action: N/A-

Acting: 8.4/10- Aside from Will Farrell's entertaining performance, Elf has a very strong supporting cast of many actors that would later become stars in their own right. Zooey Deschanel as Jovie gives a very charming performance in her role, as she usually does. James Caan is very good in his role and Bob Newhart is equally as good in his smaller role. The now famous Peter Dinklage even has a minor role in movie.

Special effects: N/A-

Soundtrack: 6.0/10- The score is comprised of mostly standard Christmas fair, however it suits the film well enough.

Comedy: 8.9/10- For a family friendly film, Elf manages to be often hilarious with Will Ferrell delivering many of the best lines. There are several very memorable scenes and jokes, and I still laugh watching it today.

Would I Watch This Again: Every other Christmas I watch the movie.

Overall: 8.0/10- Overall, Elf is a lot of fun for a family film, and one the best Christmas movies ever made.

Closing comments: While not a "perfect" film by any means, Elf fun Christmas flick with a good Christmas message that the entire family can enjoy.

Recommended for: Christmas movies fans, Will Ferrell fans, Comedy fans,

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