Review of Elf (2003) by Rachel W — 16 Feb 2014

Rachel Weslo.

ENGL 110.

MA 1.

Kopplin Watch out "A Christmas Story", Here Comes "Elf.

2/17/14.

Once a year, the world, and especially the United States, becomes a frenzy, craving for anything that has to do with this holiday called Christmas. It infiltrates all of our homes, food, stores, radio, yards, and movie theaters. It is no doubt once Black Friday hits previews will begin. Mostly, this brings about mediocre, if not awful films with cringe-worthy humor and the same old family oriented theme.

It seems like all of the "classics" have been created and there are no more left to make. These include "Christmas Vacation", "Home Alone", "Santa Claus", and, of course, "A Christmas Story." Hope was lost until a 2003 film starring Will Farrell came along and found its way to the top of that "classic" list; this is none other than "Elf.".

Elf takes place in New York City when Will Farrell as "Buddy", a human raised by elves in the North Pole, finds himself on an adventure searching for his biological father. Buddy tries to adapt to a human lifestyle while also trying to win over his father's love. In the end, through hilarious scenes and lines bound to be repeated by viewers a thousand times, he finds the perfect place for himself and his newfound, human love, Jovie, played by Zooey Deschanel.

The story itself reeks of originality. A lonely, happy as can be elf, running amuck in New York City is both new and comical. This idea created such a great playground for writer Jon Farreau, to explore and he took advantage. The storyline is practically opposite to modern Christmas movies. It's focused on an elf, not Santa, and goes from the North Pole to NYC, not from some city to the North Pole. Also, it's a clear-cut comedy, just like the classics were. Some scenes will have you grabbing your side because you just can't take anymore laughter.

The script itself is gold. There are so many one liners that have become so, here's that word again, classic. People repeat them not only at Christmas time, but also any time of the year. When quotes show up from a movie in stores and on merchandise so frequently, something was done right. The best part is that everyone knows when it's referring to "Elf." Whole conversations can occur based on the lines whether it begins with "I'm a cotton-headed ninnymuggins!" or "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup." It will always be funny, no matter if it's the first time played or the hundredth.

The actors chosen for the roles in "Elf" are perfect. Zooey, as Jovie, is spectacular as she uses her mannerisms to appear off-putting and feisty while at the same time her voice gives away that she is heartfelt and caring. This is truly evident during scenes with Buddy. James Caan is incredible as Buddy's biological father. He is similar to Zooey but took it to the extreme. He's a chameleon. One second he's frowning, uptight, has a stern voice and is all business and the next he turns into a dad everyone can love. Although, the focal point was Will Farrell as Buddy. Perfect is the only way to describe him in this role. He always has over exaggerated body language, walks a little funky, and has a giant smile on his face and a spark in his eye. He is able to be a child as an adult. Joy is infused in his voice and his ability to seem so comfortable in his yellow, very revealing tights is hilarious itself. He steals the show and adds his own unique spin on Buddy making him an unforgettable, classic character.

Elf is bound to be "classic" if it isn't already. Its comedy and cheerful mood it puts the viewer in, although meant for Christmas, makes it a great movie for any time of year. Here comes Christmas in July everyone.