Elf

Plot

Thirty years ago, an abandoned baby accidentally found his way into Santa’s present sack – and is now back in the North Pole. As he slowly grows into adulthood, and named Buddy, he is blissfully unaware he is human until he overhears some of the other elves talking about him. So now he wants to go find his Dad – who is on the naughty list.

Direction

Director Jon Favreau does a fabulous job in one of his first cinematic film. There are genuinely brilliant moments, especially the moments in the North Pole. The blend of live action and animation is almost flawless – and Favreau will go on to show his skill here in later directed films.

The 6’3 Ferrell in the same shot as ‘minimised’ characters made brilliant use of Force Perspective.

Cast/Characters

Almost no one else could pull off the almost childlike innocence of Buddy than Will Ferrell. He brings to life the real thoughts and feelings of children with their love for Santa – and their anxiety of everyday items such as escalators – as a parent to young children, I can attest to this scene.

James Caan (RIP) who plays the curmudgeon workaholic, is perhaps a little cliché but it is done well. His age appropriate wife played by regular Will Ferrell colab Mary Steenburgen is a little underused with her comedic talent.

North Pole residents Papa Elf and Santa are played by the legendary Bob Newhart and Ed Asner respectively – and are both amazing. RIP to them both as well.

Director Favreau appears briefly as a Dr.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The setting of North Pole is joyous, fun and magical – and exactly what we expect it to look like. It is hilarious to see a 6’3 Ferrell alongside the smaller elves, and as mentioned earlier – great use of Forced Perspective.

The workaholic dad who comes around to ‘family’ at Christmas – although a cliché in films – is done well.

I laughed out loud at many moments in the film, with far too many to mention here.

Score/Soundtrack

There is a traditionally Christmas son heavy soundtrack; but to me the MVP goes to the brilliant Zooey Deschanel who puts her vocal talents to brilliant use here. She is adorable as the female lead – and proves why she deserved her own television show.

Overall

I’m embarrassed to admit, but for the sake of this review this was my first time watching this film, and I wish I had 21 years ago. This was one of the best Christmas films I’ve watched, and understand now why it is continuously on the list of best Christmas movies ever. Let’s hope they don’t do a sequel. Leave it as one and done.

5/5