MOVIE - ELF - Review Rating $$$$$ $$1/2 (OUT OF 10)

STARRING - Will Ferrell (Buddy), James Caan (Walter), Edward Asner (Santa Claus), Bob Newhart (Papa Elf), Mary Steenburgen (Emily) & Zooey Deschanel (Jovie).

DIRECTOR - Jon Favreau (Made).

Elf succeeds for three fundamental reasons. The first is that it resists the temptation to go for cheap laughs based on crudeness. That doesn't mean that the script is devoid of innuendo but that the writer's relied on "Simpsonesque" subtlety to amuse young and old alike.

The second reason Elf succeeds is because of it's originality. Though the plot itself is rather pedestrian, restoration of the Christmas spirit, it's the approach that is refreshingly original. The human Elf concept is an instant classic and the script leaves no comedic stone unturned as Buddy (Ferrell) discovers his true identity. Elf, unlike Intolerable Cruelty, is not a one joke comedy.

The final ingredient in the success of the movie is the acting. Ferrell plays Buddy as wholesomely straight as is possible. There is no winking to the audience. This Elf's sincerity is genuine and that's why the jokes work as well as they do. Asner (Santa) and Newhart (Papa Elf) are delightful as a hard edged St. Nick and ernest Elf, respectfully.

Elf does begin to run out of christmas cheer near the formalistic ending. However, by that time, you've gotten more than your money's worth of clever humour and this lapse is forgivable.

Elf is a Holiday comedy for the whole family that is proof that you don't have to be crass to be funny.

Running time - 95 minutes.

Check out my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2003 & WORST MOVIES OF 2003 lists.

Alternative Reviews:

Roger Ebert's Review

Peter Travers / Rolling Stone Review

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

ELF Official Web Site

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