Elf

I rewatched Elf with my family before Christmas. This is a must-watch Christmas movie about Buddy (Will Ferrell) who grows up in the North Pole thinking he’s an Elf. Upon learning that he’s not an elf, he travels to New York to reunite with his father, Walter (James Caan), a grumpy children’s book publisher who has no idea about Buddy’s existence. Throughout the movie, Buddy tries to earn his father’s approval, and along the way he befriends Walter’s wife and son, and develops an interest in Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), a dispassionate and cynical woman that doesn’t like Christmas. With the help of his new friends, Buddy saves Christmas by helping Santa fly his sleigh. This is my favorite of Will Ferrell’s roles. Buddy is simpleminded, joyful, and sees the best in everyone, even after finding out that Walter is on the naughty list, and Will Ferrell brings this character to life perfectly. Though there are multiple people that can play an unenthused, impassive man, James Caan is the best in this role. His character reacts the way any normal person would upon finding out they have a son they didn’t know about. It is great to see Zooey Deschanel play a character so different from her New Girl character. However, I personally don’t like her singing voice and it really doesn’t fit the Christmas songs in this movie. Walter’s wife, Emily, is played by Mary Steenburgen and his son, Michael, is played by Daniel Tay. Mary Steenburgen is perfect for the role of a loving mother and her character reacts surprisingly well upon finding out her husband has a secret son. Daniel Tay is okay in his role and it is heartwarming when Michael warms up to Buddy. Other awesome actors in this movie include Bob Newhart, Peter Dinklage, Amy Sedaris, Faizon Love, and Jon Favreau. The best part of this movie is easily when Buddy arrives in New York. He is so innocent and everything he does is hilarious! He is set in his North Pole ways, which are mostly frowned upon in New York. I love this movie and my sister and I quote it all the time. It’s definitely a must-watch Christmas movie!