Discover your inner elf.
When young Buddy falls into Santa's gift sack on Christmas Eve, he's transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa's helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can't shake the nagging feeling that he doesn't belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic.
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Character
Effortless, resolved, classical in form and warm.
- effortlessdemanding
- resolvedopen-ended
- classical in formformally daring
- warmbleak
- contemporarynostalgic
Who loves it, who doesn't
39 profiled raters. Loved most by The Ironists; disliked most by The Genre Devotees.
Where do you stand?
Answer first; then see how everyone, and your circle, split.
“Is this Jon Favreau's best work?”
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“Is Elf too gentle for its own good?”
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“Is Will Ferrell the best thing in Elf?”
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A yes-or-no question, answered from what people wrote here, on TMDB and on Wikipedia. Never made up.
Reviews
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Reviews on TMDB
Written by TMDB members; each links to the original. Not part of Tastebuds's numbers.
- tmdb51616167on TMDB · Sep 20247/10
"Elf" is a holiday movie that has become a beloved classic over the years, despite some reservations about Will Ferrell's acting style. While not initially drawn to Ferrell's comedic performances, the film's charm and heartwarming storyline won over viewers, including those who may not typically enjoy his style of humor. Ferrell's portrayal of the character in "Elf" is noted for its over-the-top and somewhat obnoxious nature, traits that are characteristic of his comedic persona. However, the film's unique take on the holiday genre and its endearing story make it a standout production that has secured its place in the history of Christmas cinema. Despite any reservations about Ferrell's acting, "Elf" has become an iconic film that brings joy, laughter, and a sense of nostalgia to audiences. Its enduring popularity and ability to evoke feelings of warmth and merriment have solidified its status as a holiday classic that families revisit year after year. Overall, "Elf" is celebrated for its humor, heart, and timeless appeal, making it a film that is cherished and enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Its ability to spread holiday cheer and bring people together in laughter is a testament t
Read the whole review on TMDB - CinemaSerfon TMDB · Nov 20227/10
Whilst delivering toys to an orphanage, a curious baby crawls into Santa's sack. Back at the North Pole shortly after, this young lad makes his presence felt, is named "Buddy" and put in the care of "Papa Elf" (Bob Newhart). Years later, "Buddy" (Will Ferrell) has now grown to full height and isn't really fitting in - on any level. His adopted dad tells him something of his real parents and off to New Work he goes in search of his father "Walter" (James Caan) who had, hitherto, been completely unaware of this son's existence. Hard-nosed "Walter" is initially disinterested, but thanks to a photograph from years gone by, quickly decides to try and help his green-suited offspring to try and make his way in the world. "Buddy" isn't very good at much, but what he excels at is making friends and spreading good cheer - and all of that proves crucial when Santa (Ed Asner) finds his sleigh won't work on Christmas Eve for lack of Christmas spirit. Can "Buddy" rally the troops - and avoid the menacing Central Park Rangers? This is a jolly and fun Christmas feel-good film that has weathered the last twenty years rather well. The sentiment is well layered, the humour works for all ages and Caan
Read the whole review on TMDB - Wuchakon TMDB · Dec 20207/10
_**Destined to be played on TV every Christmas the rest of your life**_ Released in 2003 and directed by Jon Favreau, "Elf" is a Christmas dramedy/fantasy starring Will Farrell as an orphaned infant who stows away on Santa Claus' sleigh and isn't discovered until he's at the North Pole, where he's adopted by Papa Elf and named Buddy. After growing up as an elf, he travels to New York City to meet his father (James Caan) and starts a relationship with his neglected younger half-brother. He also starts a relationship with a department store worker (Zooey Deschanel) and helps spread Christmas cheer as Santa (Ed Asner) arrives to the city. This is an all-around entertaining Christmas flick highlighted by Farrell's goofiness as the quasi-elf. It's fun with consistent laughs, not to mention a nice Christmas moral. The film runs 97 minutes and was shot in New York City and Vancouver. GRADE: B+
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Cast
- Will FerrellBuddy
- James CaanWalter
- Bob NewhartPapa Elf
- Ed AsnerSanta
- Mary SteenburgenEmily
- Zooey DeschanelJovie
- Daniel TayMichael
- Faizon LoveGimbels Manager
- Peter DinklageMiles Finch
- Amy SedarisDeb
Crew
- Jon FavreauDirector
- Jon FavreauScreenplay
- David BerenbaumWriter
- Greg GardinerDirector of Photography
- John DebneyOriginal Music Composer
- Dan LebentalEditor
- Todd KomarnickiProducer
- Jon BergProducer
- Shauna RobertsonProducer
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Pairings
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