Elf (2003) Written by:David Berenbaum Directed by:Jon Favreau

   


     So I decided to review Elf because I can't just review movies that I like. And I am well aware that this will ruffle some feathers, because I honestly despise this movie!

     Let me start by confessing that not only do I hate Christmas movies (A Christmas Story aside), I also am not a fan of Will Ferrell. And this movie is the perfect example of why. I will not say that Mr. Ferrell is not a talented actor, I just don't care for his style of comedy. It's ok to play the dumb, clueless guy, but don't take that role too over-the-top. His performance in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" was pretty good. He was still clueless, but in a sweet, toned down kind of way.

     Then we come to James Cann. I've always liked him, but even he was unbearable in this film. I can't quite put my finger on why I disliked his performance, maybe it was just the film? I guess that Jon Favreau was able to bring a good sense of direction to this yule log crap. The one bright point of this movie was the stunning and multi-talented beauty of Zooey Deschanel. She always seems to bring a smile to my face with her awkwardness and big, beautiful eyes. Am I rambling about her? So what if I am? I had to sit through 97 minutes of shit, so you're lucky I don't write pages about Ms. Deschanel!

     Anyway, I digress. Let's also say that I understand why Buddy was dismissed! Elf or not, how in the world are you gonna eat spaghetti with maple syrup? And it was stupid things like that that make this "cult classic" so horrible. I know so many people who love this movie, but it just makes me question their judgement. Not sure I can trust someone about movies if they name this among their favorites!

     Some of the more bright spots of the film come by way of great cameos by Ed Asner as Santa, Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Faizon Love, Andy Ritcher, Kyle Glass, Artie Lange, and what is definitely the best scene in the movie Peter Dinklage as an executive repeatedly accused of being an elf until a fight breaks out and he beats the hell out of Buddy.

     In summation, I can see why people love this film and why it seems to air on every damn channel during the holidays. It's just not for me. I would recommend this to any child of an age of understanding. And I guess adults who love Christmas. Bah Humbug!