Will Ferrel hasn’t had a starring role since his SNL skit turned movie A Night at the Roxbury (1998) and with so many memorable co-starring roles it is about time we see him larger than life in the new sure-to-be-hit holiday comedy Elf.
Elf is the story of Buddy (Ferrel), an orphaned baby that sneaks into Santa’s toy bag one Christmas Eve only to find himself in Santa’s workshop by the end of the night and being raised by elves.
Once in the North Pole he is fathered by the Head Elf, and storyteller (Bob Newhart) and begins to try to fit in with all the other elves. One problem, being twice the size and not as handy in the workshop doesn’t help Buddy fit in as much as he would like.
After overhearing a conversation between two of “Santa’s little helpers” the realization that he is not an elf hits home and Buddy sets off to find his human Father in the “magical land of New York.” But he will soon find out that life in the “big city” isn’t all candy canes and “swirly-whirly gum drops.”
Once in the Big Apple Buddy finds himself trying to fit in with the hustle and bustle and wedge his way into his father’s life at the same time spreading Christmas cheer across the city.
But Christmas cheer may not be enough to accomplish his goal, trying to create a relationship with his father (Caan) who plays the role of the “Scrooge” for a new millennium; on top of that he has to deal with his new step-brother, who doesn’t even believe in Santa. *GASP*
Ferrel is able to transform himself into the Buddy character with such ease and while the story and other cast members are great; they pale in comparison to Ferrel’s genius. Ferrel is a star, and the big screen and audience embrace him as an elf of their own.
Managing laughs from the slightest change of expression, his ability to be goofy, stupid, and downright alien makes you believe that he must be from somewhere not of this Earth. He is the perfect fish out of water.
On top of all that, Elf is an excellent holiday movie that I can only hope will withstand the release of the Matrix finale and carry on through the Christmas season. It has a great story, morals, and a heartwarming ending, which are what the holidays are all about.
Directed by John Favreau (Swingers) Elf has the makings of a holiday classic for the ages. Coming in above and beyond the seasonal classics of the past, you can expect to see Elf in heavy rotation on your favorite networks in the Christmas seasons to come.
