Movie Released: November 7, 2003 | DVD Releasd: October 24, 2006
A child slipped into Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve and was taken to the North Pole where he was adopted by an older elf (Bob Newhart). When he finds out that he is human, the elf decides to go on a quest to New York City to find his biological father, a hard-hearted Children’s publisher. Will everything work out as Buddy expects?
I’m not a huge Will Ferrell fan so I expected not to like his holiday fish-out-of-water tale. What surprised me was the ability the actor has to pull off the wide-eyed innocence and enthusiasm of an elf that loves Santa and looks at the world with heartfelt optimism. Buddy has grown up in a fairy-tale existence and wants to share himself with a father (James Caan) he sees as in need of his love and support.
When Buddy finds his way to New York he meets Jovie (Zooey Deschnel). Jovie is a somewhat jaded department store clerk. Deschnel plays the character as she does in most movies/shows, a wise-cracking hipster who is too cool to recognize she’s a bit of a mess. While I normally find this character annoying, her metamorphosis in [easyazon_link identifier=”B0002F6BRE” locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Elf (Infinifilm Edition)[/easyazon_link] is difficult not to find endearing. Jovie and Buddy quickly learn that they benefit the other, emotionally.
“Elf’s” supporting cast includes Mary Steenburgen and Jon Favereau. From the humorous start to the emotional ending, Will Ferrell gives a flawless performance in this modern classic. I would not try Buddy’s recipes at home but would give this holiday movie a few after dinner family hours.
Elf is available as a DVD, Blu-ray and on Amazon Instant Video:
Amazon U.S. • Amazon U.K. • Amazon Canada
| Title | Elf |
|---|---|
| Director | Jon Favreau |
| Actors | Will Ferrell, James Caan,Bob Newhart, Edward Asner |
| Length | 1 hour and 35 minutes |
| Rating | PG |
| DVD Release | October 24, 2006 |