A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers. Read critic reviews
Elf
2003, Kids & family/Holiday, 1h 37m
200 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
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Movie Info
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
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Rating: PG (Some Mild Rude Humor|Language)
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Genre: Kids & family, Holiday, Comedy, Fantasy
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Original Language: English
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Director: Jon Favreau
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Producer: Jon Berg, Todd Komarnicki, Shauna Robertson
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Writer: David Berenbaum
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Release Date (Theaters): wide
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Release Date (Streaming):
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Box Office (Gross USA): $177.1M
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Runtime:
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Distributor: New Line Cinema
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Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby SR, DTS, Surround
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Critic Reviews for Elf
Audience Reviews for Elf
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Oddly executed plot along with a joyously flare makes this Christmas comedy a success. Elf is the typical holiday film that's entertaining and strong, all thanks to a vibrant Will Ferrell. 4/5
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Elf is a magical Christmas tale that's fun for the whole family. The story follows one of Santa's elves named Buddy who, after finding out that he's adapted, goes looking for his human father in New York City. The film stars Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Bob Newhart, who all give great performances. Ferrell in particular is good at this kind of physical comedy, and there's a certain charm to his performance. However, the film is unable to avoid falling into the usual cliches and stereotypes that Christmas films usually follow. But despite being a tad formulaic, Elf still delivers a wondrous adventure and is sure to become a Christmas classic.
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One of the last great modern Christmas films, Elf benefits greatly from my favorite performance of Will Ferrell's and the great supporting cast. Elf has some smart and hilarious humor, mixed with a cute (if slightly over sentimental) story and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Overall Rating: 81
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Nope, it doesn't make any sense to have Will Farrel to play the Elf, somewhat disturbing and childish (Yes, Slapsticks) Plus there were countless of plot holes I could poke though. I am surprised on the fact that it's a Christmas must-see???
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