Will Ferrell

James Caan

Bob Newhart

Ed Asner

Mary Steenburgen

Zooey Deschanel

Daniel Tay

Faizon Love

Peter Dinklage

Amy Sedaris

Michael Lerner

Andy Richter

Kyle Gass

Artie Lange

Leon Redbone

Ray Harryhausen

Claire Lautier

Ted Friend

Patrick Ferrell

Patrick McCartney

Jon Favreau

Lydia Lawson-Baird

Brenda McDonald

Annie Brebner

Luke Pohl

Meghan Black

Patrick Baynham

Michael Roberds

Peter A. Hulne

Patrick Hulne

Richard Side

David-Paul Grove

Kristian Ayre

Lorin Heath

Dillard Brinson

Brad Turner

David Berenbaum

Brenda Crichlow

Oscar Goncalves

Mary Black

John Murray

Mark Acheson

Robin Mossley

Paul Schofield

Matt Walsh

Will McCormack

Gus Michael

Alexandra Michael

Terry J. Scarlatos

Jonathan Bruce

Akeem A. Smith

Michael Christopher Fischetti

Jane Bradbury

Peter Billingsley

Jay Finocchiaro

Craig 'Radioman' Castaldo

Graeme Duffy

Maurice LaMarche

Rachel Lana Li

Natasha Denis

Nance Nickels

Albert Precourt

Joe Ranft

Jamie Vergan

Max Favreau

Dan Lebental

John Debney

Toby Emmerich

Cale Boyter

Jimmy Miller

Julie Darmody

Kent Alterman

Owen Walstrom

G. A. Aguilar

Douglas Bloom

Musa Brooker

Justin Mitchell

Jeremy Oddo

Joe Salazar

Antoine Durr

Troy W. Carrington

Greg Groenekamp

Steve Baker

Erik De Boer

Hunter Athey

Brian Dowrick

Brian Fisher

John Paszkiewicz

Joe Bauer

Dan Foster

Teresa Drilling

Giovanni Dulay

Rob Meyers

David Mylrea

Amrit Laura Gunhouse

Todd Lawley

Barbara Wilson

Kelly Canfield

Geoff Wallace

Jay Mitchell

Allan Galajda

Doug Chapman

Susie Farris

Victoria Balharry

Todd Komarnicki

Johanne Hubert

Rusty Smith

Carey Toner

David E. Baron

Jon Berg

William Waring

Nancy Duggan

Doug Lavender

Shauna Robertson

Jon Taylor

Brad Sherman

Greg Gardiner

Jessica Clothier

Patrick Stepien

Laura Jean Shannon

Kelvin Humenny

Alan Markfield

John Leveque

Kelly Zombor

Wade Wilson

Jennifer Silvertand

David B. Householter

Stephen P. Robinson

Sherry Linder-Gygli

Anthony Milch

Jay Vinitsky

Rebeccah Delchambre

Gitte Axen

Penny Gibbs

Scott J. Ateah

Donna Bis

Jim Brebner

Andrew M. Robinson

Victoria Down

Steve Mann

Mark Rodahl

Bill Westenhofer

Angel De Angelis

Ian C. Ballard

Mickey Gilbert

Tony Lazarowich

Craig Seitz

Charles E. McCarry

Lauren Ritchie

Arthur Jeppe

Stephen Chiodo

James Sarzotti

Joseph B. Conmy IV

Christopher Woods

Garvin Cross

David Husby

Kimberly Lowe Voigt

Bryan Korenberg

James Mazzola

Tanya Noel Hill

Dal McKennon

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

New Line Cinema

Guy Walks into a Bar Productions

United States of America

English

elves

dwarf

holiday

adoption

santa claus

sarcasm

looking for  birth parents

romance

orphan

north pole

christmas spirit

christmas

workshop

father son relationship

Peter McGinn

Okay, this is a fun movie, what I consider to be one of those classic Christmas movies I am willing to watch every year. And for me, that is a fairly short list, such as A Christmas Story and the ubiquitous It’s a Wonderful Life. (Interestingly, Peter Billingsley, who plays the lead Ralphie role in A Christmas Story, has an adult role in Elf.)

The script goes over the top a bit sometimes, resulting in cringeworthy moments for me, but it is harmless and easily forgiven. There is wit, pathos and sight gags galore. I like the chemistry between Will Farrell and Zooey, and it is a treat to have national treasures Ed Asner and Bob Newhart leading off the film as Santa and the Papa elf. James Caan and Mary Steenburgen are credible as Elf’s prospective new family in New York City.

So there is not a lot of depth to this movie, nor is there supposed to be. It is a great film to watch with friends or extended family. It shouldn’t offend anyone and you can visit with each other, because you don’t have to pay close attention to the plot. In fact, many viewers will be able to recite he lines along with the characters.

Kamurai

Good watch, will likely watch again, and can recommend.

For all the good this movie has in it, there is a fair amount of annoying as well, which is what keeps it from being a great movie.

A family reconnection trope, with a character out of his element trope, crossed with one of the most annoyingly positive characters of all time trope.

Ultimately, it's a sweet, hear warming story that really captures the spirit of family, Christmas, and togetherness.

It also captures all of the insanity Will Ferrell can conjure up for his character, basically as if he wrote a SNL Christmas special and just rode rough shod over the other actors.

The cast does a wonderful job of backing up Will Ferrell, but that's clearly what it is.

Around the holidays, especially, don't be afraid of giving this a try, and bear through the annoying bits, because there is likely something really funny just about to happen.

_**Destined to be played on TV every Christmas the rest of your life**_

Released in 2003 and directed by Jon Favreau, "Elf" is a Christmas dramedy/fantasy starring Will Farrell as an orphaned infant who stows away on Santa Claus' sleigh and isn't discovered until he's at the North Pole, where he's adopted by Papa Elf and named Buddy. After growing up as an elf, he travels to New York City to meet his father (James Caan) and starts a relationship with his neglected younger half-brother. He also starts a relationship with a department store worker (Zooey Deschanel) and helps spread Christmas cheer as Santa (Ed Asner) arrives to the city.

This is an all-around entertaining Christmas flick highlighted by Farrell's goofiness as the quasi-elf. It's fun with consistent laughs, not to mention a nice Christmas moral.

The film runs 97 minutes and was shot in New York City and Vancouver.

GRADE: B+

CinemaSerf

Whilst delivering toys to an orphanage, a curious baby crawls into Santa's sack. Back at the North Pole shortly after, this young lad makes his presence felt, is named "Buddy" and put in the care of "Papa Elf" (Bob Newhart). Years later, "Buddy" (Will Ferrell) has now grown to full height and isn't really fitting in - on any level. His adopted dad tells him something of his real parents and off to New Work he goes in search of his father "Walter" (James Caan) who had, hitherto, been completely unaware of this son's existence. Hard-nosed "Walter" is initially disinterested, but thanks to a photograph from years gone by, quickly decides to try and help his green-suited offspring to try and make his way in the world. "Buddy" isn't very good at much, but what he excels at is making friends and spreading good cheer - and all of that proves crucial when Santa (Ed Asner) finds his sleigh won't work on Christmas Eve for lack of Christmas spirit. Can "Buddy" rally the troops - and avoid the menacing Central Park Rangers? This is a jolly and fun Christmas feel-good film that has weathered the last twenty years rather well. The sentiment is well layered, the humour works for all ages and Caan compliments the sometimes cringe-making effusiveness of "Buddy" - aided by sparing but kindly appearances from Mary Steenburgen - well. There is even an hint of a romance for our good-natured soul in the form of "Jovie" (Zooey Deschanel) and as Christmas movies go, this is certainly one of the better ones.

Andre Gonzales

In my opinion this is the best Christmas movie ever made. Its so hilarious that you laugh throughout. If you havent seen this, i highly suggest that you do.

"Elf" is a holiday movie that has become a beloved classic over the years, despite some reservations about Will Ferrell's acting style. While not initially drawn to Ferrell's comedic performances, the film's charm and heartwarming storyline won over viewers, including those who may not typically enjoy his style of humor.

Ferrell's portrayal of the character in "Elf" is noted for its over-the-top and somewhat obnoxious nature, traits that are characteristic of his comedic persona. However, the film's unique take on the holiday genre and its endearing story make it a standout production that has secured its place in the history of Christmas cinema.

Despite any reservations about Ferrell's acting, "Elf" has become an iconic film that brings joy, laughter, and a sense of nostalgia to audiences. Its enduring popularity and ability to evoke feelings of warmth and merriment have solidified its status as a holiday classic that families revisit year after year.

Overall, "Elf" is celebrated for its humor, heart, and timeless appeal, making it a film that is cherished and enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Its ability to spread holiday cheer and bring people together in laughter is a testament to its enduring legacy in the realm of Christmas movies.

Elf( 2003)

This holiday, discover your inner elf.

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A review by Peter McGinn

Written by Peter McGinn on Tue Aug 18 2020

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