Few Christmas movies have grabbed the attention of the viewer as fast as the classic 2003 film, directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell as the iconic Elf. Buddy is a human raised by Santa’s elves who goes on a long journey to find his biological father, but it doesn’t go as planned. In fact, what happened was quite the opposite of his expectations. It is a sweet, heartwarming, and endlessly quotable reminder of the importance of holiday spirit. As Buddy navigates the hardships of the real world based in NYC, the film delivers a charming and entertaining blend of fish-out-of-water comedy and genuine heart. Sixteen years later and many more Christmas movies later, does this movie still deserve its spot on the annual Christmas movie watch list, or has it lost its spark?
The only answer is, this movie absolutely deserves its spot. Its success lies in its masterful execution and deep understanding in what makes a Christmas movie succeed. The film thrives on the contrast between Buddy’s perfect life in the North Pole and his experiences living in the outside world, where life is not even close to perfect and sugar-coated, but is instead flawed and not even close to perfect. We see a man in a silly elf costume eating ABC gum, clicking all the buttons in an elevator, and loading his spaghetti up with candy and chocolate sauce with the curiosity and humor of a child, which encourages the audience to see the magic in the Christmas spirit.
I believe that the lasting love for this film comes from its incredible casting and the style of the film. While Will Ferrell is the star of the show, the other actors like Zooey Deschanel and James Caan help make the movie an even mix between silliness and serious, real life situations. The director also uses “old school” special effects– like forced perspective to make buddy look huge next to the other elfs. This gives the movie a timeless effect, which is why it has continued to prosper as a relevant and fun Christmas movie over the holidays.
While the movie is a classic, it isn’t without its flaws. The pacing of the movie is a bit rushed. To be more specific, the transition from a light family-friendly comedy transforms to a chase through New York City, with some aspects that aren’t so family friendly. This gives off the feeling of an action movie, which is not so Christmassy. Additionally, the viewer may become uncomfortable watching Buddy do things like breaking into his father’s office, or singing with the girl in the shower.
Even with these flaws, Elf remains one of the best Christmas movies in history. Although some of the humor is a bit dated and the ending feels rushed, the film’s strength far outweighs its flaws. Whether you are watching it for the first time or the seventieth, the movie’s eternal message about family and Christmas spirit still remains valid. After more than twenty years, Elf has continued to be a bright, permanent fixture on the ultimate Christmas watch list, whether you are a fourteen year old girl, or a seventy year old man.
