JTA The Film Passionator’s review published on Letterboxd:
In loving memory of James Caan, Bob Newhart, and Ed Asner.
Elf - Charmingly Funny and an Amazing Christmas Classic!
Elf (2003) is a Christmas comedy movie directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum. The movie features Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Daniel Tay, Bob Newhart and Ed Asner.
The movie follows a human named Buddy (Will Ferrell) working as an elf at the North Pole. However, he soon discovers that he was actually a human raised by Santa Claus' (Ed Asner) elves when he was a baby. He ventures away from the North Pole to find his true family in New York City, including his real father Walter Hobbs (James Caan). Will Buddy find his family and develop a strong family bond together?
The story was still engaging to follow thanks to its entertaining plot structure. It offers memorable characters, a great sense of humour, a delighting lighthearted tone, fast pacing and unforgettable scenes. The movie explores the themes of family, being yourself, friendship, adulthood, and Christmas. These were shown when Buddy grows up to learn the truth about his best and continues to spread joy to New York and his family by acting like himself while never forgetting his best friends from the North Pole.
Will Ferrell's performance as Buddy was outstanding and hilarious as he successfully brings joy to the viewers with his silly acts and cheerful personality. In my opinion, this has got to one of his best movie roles yet. Ed Asner also does a great job portraying Santa Claus with his calming body language and emotive language that stays true to his spirit. This is currently my favourite version of Santa to date.
The humour was amusing since it was well-written, suits the movie's bright tone, performed brilliantly by the cast, and push the story forward. This will entertain the audience because of its wacky tone and energy. For example, when Buddy meets a department store Santa, only for him to take off his fake beard and get into a hilarious fight.
For 2003, the effects look amazing because the crew made the best design to animate some characters through stop motion rather than CGI and how it pays homage to Videocraft International, Ltd's stop motion specials. This will impress the audience with how much time and effort the animators had to make the North Pole characters move smoothly and they blend in perfectly with the live action scenes. An example of this is the scenes involving Buddy and Leon the Snowman.
Greg Gardiner's cinematography work was incredible because there were a few shots that visualise the movie's story and grabbing the viewers attention to what is going in the scene. For instance, there is a long shot of the young elves and Buddy in a classroom. To me, this was an interesting shot because it shows the viewers how Buddy contrasts from the other elves with his height and bright green suit, as well as showing them that he is the main focus of the story.
John Debney's soundtrack was beautiful and satisfying since it will keep the viewers relaxed with its peaceful melody and how it represents the magical Christmas themes. There are some moments where the music was fast paced to establish the movie's comedic atmosphere and entertain the viewers, such as the snowball fight scene.
The movie's target audience are children and families because of the film's important message about Christmas, silly jokes, iconic Christmas characters, and a bright tone. However, there are some adult jokes that only the parents would understand, which makes the movie a more delighting watch for all the family.
In conclusion, Elf (2003) is still one of my favourite Christmas movies with its memorable and funny story, Will Ferrell's pleasing performance, unforgettable messages about Christmas, memorable soundtrack, and impressive effects. In my opinion, this is worth adding onto your Christmas watchlist. This will make you laugh. This will make you understand Christmas better. This will make you love Will Ferrell's movies.
