ELF

2003, New Line Cinema

Live action

Rating: PG

Approx. 98 mins.

THE STORY:

Buddy (Will Ferrell) the orphan baby makes his way into Santa's (Ed Asner) sack one Christmas and ends up being raised as an elf at the North Pole. Although he has certain distinctive qualities (height, lack of toy-making dexterity, etc.), it isn't until he is a grown man that he discovers he is human. His elf Papa (Bob Newhart) tells him all about his mother having died and his biological father having no idea that he even exists. 

Buddy immediately sets out to find his father, Walter (James Caan), a work-obsessed book publisher in New York with a wife and son who rarely see him. Although he is originally not surprisingly dismissive of the man-child dressed in elf clothes claiming to be his long-lost son, he eventually makes an effort to get closer to him at the urging of his wife. And hilarity ensues.

Walter learns to prioritize his family. Buddy helps reignite Christmas spirit in cold New York, and gains a whole new family. 

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• damn
• hell
• stupid

VIOLENCE:

• none unless you count a snowball fight

TEACHING POINTS:

• look for the good and praise it

THE UPSHOT:

I have seen this film somewhere in the region of 15 times and have laughed every time. This is partly because of the script and casting, but mostly because Buddy is such an amazingly likable character who you just want to be with. His enthusiasm and positivity are contagious and make you want to run out and get excited about things. 

Absolutely one of the most artfully crafted films I have ever seen. Great for every age. Not to be missed. 

5/5