 |
By KJS
Christmas Special : Elf (2003) : A Classic Film Review (06/01/08)
Elf isn't the first film you think of when you hear the name "Will Ferrell", but it happens to be one his funnier movies (and that's saying something!). I review this barrel of Christmas laughs.
|
First of all, happy new year to you all!
Second of all, very sorry for the recent lack of updates,
we've been very, very busy lately and have really struggled to do much to the site.
But, as today is the 12th and final official day of Christmas, it's about time we did something Christmassy. Better late than never, huh?
Christmas and the Christmas period brings thoughts of frosty nights and cold mornings, hectic town centres and giddy children. Almost put myself off Christmas completely just then! But then I remembered the good points; Get togethers, nice food, lots of drink, presents and, of course, Christmas movies.
Buddy in Elf Class |
Yes it's the end of the Christmas period, but it's still Christmas nevertheless, and that can only mean one thing - A review of a classic Christmas movie.
Up until a couple of weeks ago, I hadn't seen Elf, but had always been curious. It starred one of my favourite actors in Will Ferrell but came across in adverts, to me, as something of a kid's movie - one I may have enjoyed 15 years ago - but boy was I wrong.
SANTAAAA!!!!! |
Elf is both a charming and hilarious tale of an orphan baby (Buddy, played by Ferrell as an adult) who, on one Christmas Eve, manages to end up in Santa's sack and, as a result, finds himself in the North Pole, where he is brought up as an elf.
Buddy works his way through "elf school" and finds himself working in the production of toys. However, Buddy's toy-making prowess is somewhat below par and, despite being substantially taller than the other elves, he does not know that he is a human - something that is kept from him for some time.
Eventually, Buddy finds out his true origins and says goodbye to his friends in the North Pole to set off on a journey to find his biological family, who he now knows are in New York.
Buddy takes
some time to adjust to New York and ends up in some calamitous situations, including a humorous scene where he gets run over (don't worry, he's fine), but soon discovers that his Father is a ruthless but rich publicist of children's books.
Buddy is Captivated by the Christmas Tree (and Jovie) |
Upon finding "Gimbels", a large department store, Buddy soon hears that "Santa" will be visiting the following day. Buddy, of course, knows the real Santa personally, and gets very excited.
He gets mistaken for a store employee and subsequently ends up decorating the store, like only a real elf could, in preparation for Santa's arrival.
He also meets Jovie, a beautiful store employee who he becomes very close to as the movie progresses.
Buddy sends his Father a card, with a photo of him with his biological Mother, in which he says he is his son.
At first, his Father (Walter) is apprehensive about this, but soon comes to realise that Buddy is indeed his son.
Ultimately, Buddy ends up moving in with his Father and his current family - his wife, Emily, and his young son, Michael - and hilarity ensues.
At first, the family find him weird and irritating, and Buddy causes allsorts of mischief in his Father's life and business, but he soon endears himself to them all and Walter soon sees him for the kind, sensitive individual that he is. |
Buddy's long lost Family |
It seems that their coming round to Buddy's ways was almost too late, as Buddy feels rejected and ponders whether or not to leave New York, which leads to Walter and Michael searching high and low on Christmas Eve to find him in order to let him know he is welcome to stay with them.
Meanwhile, whilst Buddy is wandering aimlessly, he sees his old friend Santa landing in Central Park. Santa explains that the Christmas spirit which his sleigh is fuelled by is sparse this year, and that there is not enough to fuel his journey.
Eventually, with great help from Jovie, Buddy gets everyone, including his Father, to sing Christmas carols, which brings the level of Christmas spirit up to a point where it is substantial enough to fuel Santa's sleigh. Buddy has saved Christmas!
Buddy Flies with Santa Claus |
In the end, Buddy's story is published as a children's book, seemingly by his Father's publishing company, and all is happy in the world.
Elf is one of those movies you know you are going to appreciate coming on television over the Christmas period for years to come.
Rating (Out of 5 Papa Elfs) : 4 |
|
|
|
|
