Elf (2003)

Genre: Comedy / Christmas

Directed by: Jon Favreau

Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel

Running time: 95 minutes

Buddy ended up at the North Pole as a baby after climbing in Santa’s bag when old Saint-Nick was visiting the orphanage where he was. Having been raised by Santa’s elves, Buddy grows up believing he is one of them, though he doesn’t have much aptitude for making toys. When he finds out that he is in fact human and that his biological father is alive and well, Buddy decides to travel to New York City to meet his dad.

Elf is a film full of cheer and good spirit that has become a tradition for the wife and I over the years every time Christmas rolls around. Sure it is predictable and a bit cheesy, but it is so much fun: Pure family entertainment.

Will Ferrell was the perfect choice to play Buddy. The sight of that big guy living among elves and trying to fit in is a funny image in itself. The former SNL cast member gives an enormous amount of innocence and overwhelming joie de vivre to the Buddy character, making him loveable. Zooey Deschanel was very sweet also as Buddy’s love interest, Jovie.

I must admit, it was weird for me at first to see James Caan in this movie. For me, he will forever remain Sonny Corleone and the writer in Misery. Nonetheless, he is very good here as the father who thinks solely of his work.

Elf is a movie that can be seen every once in a while and be enjoyed again and again. It is a film that does not take itself seriously, and that can be so charming.

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