by Baynard Lewis
4 out of 4 stars
Looking back on holiday movies, it’s hard to forget the classics that defined your childhood. Growing up in the 90’s meant that “Home Alone”, “A Christmas Story”, and “The Santa Clause” were all staples. In the new millennium, however, only one Christmas movie stands out as a new classic, “Elf”. Will Ferrell plays a 30 year old man named Buddy who has been raised by elves at the North Pole and suddenly learns that he is actually human. In a quest to find his real father, he journeys to New York City, retaining his green costume and pointy hat as he experiences the harsh realities of the human world. Children and adults alike will appreciate Ferrell’s antics as a man-child; one who unwittingly chews leftover gum from a subway entrance and improves his spaghetti dinner by drowning it in maple syrup. His charming physical comedy will also get belly laughs.
He’s nearly run-over by a yellow cab, attempts to place the star on a Christmas tree by leaping to the top, and runs head first into a bathroom stall door to avoid upsetting someone. James Caan plays Buddy’s father and embodies the typical Scrooge character who has forgotten forgotten that family is more important than work projects. His cranky old man persona is constantly unnerved by Buddy’s immaturity and juvenile buoyancy. A blonde Zooey Deschanel (in her first memorable role) befriends Buddy and slowly warms to his childlike wonder and exuberance. At first she is unsure whether he is clinically insane or simply an incredibly immature grown man.
We hear Deschanel’s signature singing voice that harkens back to sounds of a bygone era, reminiscent of Patsy Cline. It’s tame PG rating means the whole family can enjoy the humor without ears needing to be covered. The youngest audience will probably savor the slapstick moments most and parents will appreciate how Buddy’s naivete gets him into awkward and uncomfortable situations. In the hands of a lesser director, “Elf” could have fallen by the wayside, but with Jon Favreau (known for the “Iron Man” series) at the reins, the film has enough charm and forethought to make it watchable over and over. A lot of the wacky qualities that made “Home Alone” a holiday tradition are also renewed in “Elf”, including high pitched wailing and adults getting hurt. Take away all the slapstick and silly humor, and “Elf” can still stand on a heartfelt message about family relationships and keeping the heart open to possibilities. Buddy’s innocence reminds us that no matter how old we get, it’s important to stay true to yourself and follow the things that bring joy. •
