‘Elf’ Will Lift Your Holiday Spirits (Exclusive Series)
- Matt Palmer
- Dec 6, 2021
- 3 min read
*** This review of 'Elf' is something that I worked on last holiday season for the first 12 Movies of Christmas festival! ***
Ever since this 2003 Will Ferrell holiday comedy was released in theaters, “Elf” has become a huge success and eventually became one of everyone’s favorite modern holiday favorites. Now, this hilarious holiday feature is part of the 12 Movies of Christmas festival!!
In the hilarious comedy “Elf,” Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his elf father.
As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs, a cynical businessman.
After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with a childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic yet hysterical results.
“Elf” is a really fun holiday movie that the whole family will enjoy. Will Ferrell is extremely hilarious as the childlike Buddy the Elf. Most of his scenes are quite hysterical and there are a few moments that his performance can be heartfelt. The movie will definitely get anyone in the holiday spirit no matter what. This modern holiday favorite is one of the most feel-good holiday movies ever released and will keep you amused until the very end. So, come on down to the Dietrich and check out the hilarious “Elf” during the 12 Movies of Christmas festival. Filled with lots of holiday cheer, a lot of heart and tons of Christmas spirit, Buddy the Elf will easily put a smile on the whole family’s face.
The cast: Will Ferrell (Downhill) as Buddy, James Caan (That’s My Boy) as Walter, Bob Newhart as Papa Elf, Mary Steenburgen (Hulu’s Happiest Season) as Emily, Daniel Tay as Micharl, Peter Dinklage (The Croods: A New Age) as Miles Finch and Edward Asner as Santa, among others. “Elf” is written by David Berenbaum (Strange Magic; The Spiderwick Chronicles) and directed by Jon Favreau (Netflix’s The Chef Show; The Lion King; The Jungle Book).
The script for the movie was initially written in 1993 with Jim Carrey in mind for the Buddy the Elf role. Stop motion animation was used for certain sequences since director Jon Favreau wanted to pay homage to the Rankin Bass Christmas specials. “Elf” was actually Will Ferrell’s first leading role in a movie.
The elf Ming Ming, who appears briefly in the beginning, is played by Peter Billingsley (mainly known for his role of Ralphie Parker in “A Christmas Story”). “Elf” is often ranked among the greatest Christmas movies and airs annually during the holiday season. In 2017, Fandango users rated “Elf” the best Christmas movie of the 21st century.
The 2003 movie eventually got a musical adaptation created during the 2010 holiday season. A sequel has been rumored for many years, but as of now, nothing has come to fruition.
Reviews for the holiday fan favorite have been fairly positive. “Elf” has earned $174. 9 million domestically and $222 million worldwide.
“Elf” is rated PG for some mild rude humor and language and a running time of 97 minutes.
“Elf” will be showing during the 12 Movies of Christmas festival at the following dates and times: December 6 at 1 pm, December 9 at 4 pm, December 11 at 7 pm.
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