| Release Date: 7 November 2003 (USA) Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family IMDb Rating: 7.0 Director: Jon Favreau Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel, Peter Dinklage, Amy Sedaris |
It’s been debated about what is the essential Christmas film of all time. For me, it is Jon Favreau’s 2003 iconic film ‘Elf’. I cannot begin to tell the countless times I have had ‘Elf’ on repeat during the holidays because the film is filled with funny moments, charm, and Christmas spirit.
The film is about an elf named Buddy who learns he is human and not an actual elf despite being raised by elves in the North Pole. Buddy makes the decision to travel to New York City to find his biological father. There is no denying that Will Ferrell gives one of his best performances in this film as the naïve, innocent, fun-loving, goofball Buddy the elf.
Before starring in ‘Elf’ the comedic actor had starred in some films and audiences knew him from starring on ‘Saturday Night Live’ from 1995-2002, but ‘Elf’ was made for Ferrell and turned him into the star he is today.
His character is childish and hilarious as Ferrell is able to get the true embodiment of an elf. The film is really wonderfully casted as his character tries to bring light and festiveness again into the Christmas spirit for James Caan and his family. Caan stars as Buddy’s father, Walter who has a tough time accepting his son and who’s a character who could really use some Christmas spirit. Their chemistry is great as odd-couple chemistry while Buddy tries to connect with his father.
Zooey Deschanel is Buddy’s love interest Jovie who accepts Buddy for who he is, and they make an adorable, cute pair. The shower scene of them singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” always makes me laugh.
The film also stars Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, and Bob Newhart and talks about a legendary cast! For screenwriter David Berenbaum this was his first feature screenplay, and he wrote an outstanding film that isn’t so over the top as he manages to get the true message of what Christmas is all about. Between Berenbaum, Ferrell, and Favreau, they all blend.
The whole film is memorable from beginning to end keeping audiences hooked with its true family story.
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In fact, you cannot possibly stop going around quoting lines like, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” “I am cotton-headed ninny muggins” and “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” Also, who doesn’t love watching a good Christmas film where the setting takes place in New York City! Buddy adventuring around the city is definitely a highlight. Watching Buddy roam in the montage around the big city just brings lots of joy watching him hopping across traffic, laughing while getting his shoes shined, running around the revolving doors, and of course, congratulating a restaurant on “the world best cup of coffee”. It’s honestly one of the greatest funniest montages in film history.
Favreau has been busy working on some Marvel films, ‘The Mandalorian’, Disney adaptations, and food programs, but I miss Favreau directing comedies like ‘Elf’.
Favreau’s film ‘Elf’ is the perfect family movie night watch when you need a simple good old laugh.
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Everything the film boils down to is a simplistic film that helps make ‘Elf’ a classic watch and brings all the right amount of cheer during the Christmas season.
