I watched a movie called Elf, directed by Jon Favreau,
released in 2003. It stars Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Zooey
Deschanel and Ed Asner. It is a simple story about one of Santa’s elves finds
that he is human and goes to New York City to meet his biological father, and
ends up spreading cheer to the cynics that he comes across with his Christmas
cheer and enthusiasm.
This is a newer movie on the list and has quite the popularity since its release, both with children and adults. I thought it was pretty good when I saw it the time that I saw it but haven’t really gone back to watch it since until I did this review. Will Ferrell, who plays Buddy the Elf, is perfect as a guy who can play a totally naïve but still well intentioned character that you can actually relate to. He does come off a bit overwhelming in some parts but like I said his intentions are well meaning. Zooey Deschanel plays Jovie who works at Gimble’s and is a bit mousy and Buddy helps her open up. This was the second movie I saw Deschanel in (the first being Failure to Launch, that one is the one where I adored her) and she sings in this movie which was relatively new at the time. I find it impressive to me how she has caught on with her music and her show and how popular she has gotten. That seems to be the thing with a lot of actresses I like; I tend to like them right at the cusp of their popularity or they just kind of play characters and only so many make it so far. James Caan is cast very well for being Buddy’s father. He plays it much like the character he played in Honeymoon in Vegas, kind of a weasly guy. He really can play some dislikable characters and he delivers here. Mary Steenburgen plays Buddy’s stepmother and is fantastic. I was reminded that we played Will Ferrell’s mom in the movie Step Brothers as well, which adds a bit of a smile to my face because I wonder if they were made the same time or he just liked her as his mom. Bob Newhart as the Pappa Elf is cast very well too because he has that delivery and stature that lends well to this kind of comedy.
Overall, the movie is funny and it can appeal to all ages and that’s what you need in a Christmas movie. Buddy does get tedious sometimes but it is in all good fun and really the message of being true to who you are amid adversity and finding your voice is subtextual and may not be seen without repeated viewings.
This is a newer movie on the list and has quite the popularity since its release, both with children and adults. I thought it was pretty good when I saw it the time that I saw it but haven’t really gone back to watch it since until I did this review. Will Ferrell, who plays Buddy the Elf, is perfect as a guy who can play a totally naïve but still well intentioned character that you can actually relate to. He does come off a bit overwhelming in some parts but like I said his intentions are well meaning. Zooey Deschanel plays Jovie who works at Gimble’s and is a bit mousy and Buddy helps her open up. This was the second movie I saw Deschanel in (the first being Failure to Launch, that one is the one where I adored her) and she sings in this movie which was relatively new at the time. I find it impressive to me how she has caught on with her music and her show and how popular she has gotten. That seems to be the thing with a lot of actresses I like; I tend to like them right at the cusp of their popularity or they just kind of play characters and only so many make it so far. James Caan is cast very well for being Buddy’s father. He plays it much like the character he played in Honeymoon in Vegas, kind of a weasly guy. He really can play some dislikable characters and he delivers here. Mary Steenburgen plays Buddy’s stepmother and is fantastic. I was reminded that we played Will Ferrell’s mom in the movie Step Brothers as well, which adds a bit of a smile to my face because I wonder if they were made the same time or he just liked her as his mom. Bob Newhart as the Pappa Elf is cast very well too because he has that delivery and stature that lends well to this kind of comedy.
Overall, the movie is funny and it can appeal to all ages and that’s what you need in a Christmas movie. Buddy does get tedious sometimes but it is in all good fun and really the message of being true to who you are amid adversity and finding your voice is subtextual and may not be seen without repeated viewings.
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