Elf (2003), directed by Jon Favreau, is a monumental holiday motion picture that brings both bursts of laughter and the wonders of childhood imagination to all audiences. From adults to children, Elf is a wonderful seasonal spectacle for all to enjoy.
There are many reasons why Elf is the best Christmas comedy. These reasons include Will Ferell’s comedic portrayal of Buddy the Elf, the fast paced plot that keeps the audience entertained, and the overall uplifting message the movie leaves you with.
When watching this film, one should not be surprised when they let out a chuckle or laugh because the comedy in this movie is certainly top tier. From candy spaghetti to a wrestling match with Santa, Elf hits every mark and brings a smile to both children and adults.
One example is when Buddy crosses the street and is hit by a taxi, which is not a generally funny thing, but Ferell does a tremendous job making the absurdity of his character the audience’s favorite thing about Buddy.
When asked about Will Ferell’s portrayal of Buddy the Elf, these fellow Elf lovers agreed that he was one of their favorite things about the movie. “Ferrell’s acting adds a comedic relief to the awkward environment that often comes with Buddy’s actions,” said freshman Daisy Mak-Stump.
Sofia Harutyunyan ‘28 shared a similar view on Ferell; “I think Will Ferrell was perfect in this role, and in comedic roles in general, because of his natural ability to be careless and lighthearted.” These important factors, especially Ferell’s acting, contribute to the overall enjoyment that this movie has to offer.
The engaging and rich plot of Elf also enhances the enjoyment of the film; An elf, who is really a human, leaves his home, the North Pole, in search of his long lost father who lives in New York City; a wild and exciting place. Although this plot may seem plain, Buddy has plenty of fun and active adventures along the way, including an epic snowball fight, having a dance party in the mail room, and falling in love with a toy shop employee, Jovie.
These events are often what audiences seek, and expect, from Christmas comedies but things that both children and adults associate with Christmas may become overused and predictable over time.
Elf is certainly an exception, though, because Buddy’s signature Christmas spirit and charisma shines a new light on all he partakes in turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The plot of Elf is a certainly fictional piece of moviemaking, and has more of a fantastical and imaginary style, which could, at first glance, create a feeling of a movie specifically made for kids.
While this perception of the film is completely understandable, the aspects of toy making Elves, Santa Claus, and flying Reindeer bring a true childlike feel to the movie making it ever more nostalgic and reminiscent of childhood wonders we all once believed in.
In fact, a large part of Elf’s message is to believe in those things that give Christmas time its magic, and that Christmas is a time for having Christmas spirit, which we all need more of.
To conclude, Elf, as silly and comedic as it is, tackles real life problems that affect us even in adulthood; only seeing the serious side of things. Elf has taught many who have grown up watching it to remind ourselves that there is a bright and wondrous side to everything, and that it is important to keep our inner child alive and happy.
So, in the words of Buddy the elf, please remember that whenever the world needs to see the brighter side of things,“The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”
