Review #677: Elf.
Cast
Will Ferrell (Buddy Hobbs), James Caan (Walter Hobbs), Zooey Deschanel (Jovie), Mary Steenburgen (Emily Hobbs), Daniel Tay (Michael Hobbs), Ed Asner (Santa Claus), Bob Newhart (Papa Elf), Faizon Love (Gimbel's manager), and Peter Dinklage (Miles Finch) Directed by Jon Favreau (#135 - Iron Man and #334 - Iron Man 2)
Review
I admit, this movie probably should've been covered earlier in our four year run. The fact that this is the anniversary day only magnifies minor missteps and also films I should've covered. But hey, now I can cross this one off my own little list (I'm sure your lists are much more reasonable than mine). I admit, Buddy could be an annoying character with the wrong actor. But Ferrell manages to give off a lot of energy and makes the movie a lot more fun, especially when around Caan, who is just an array of sunshine. If it was a cold star, anyway. The cast is charming, especially Newhart, who is fun to watch, even when weighted down by Ferrell...literally. The movie has some cheer and charm to it, and I think my favorite scene is when Buddy decorates Gimbel's at night. There is something funny about making snowflakes and a Lego Empire State Building (with a train!) all in one night. That, and Peter Dinklage attacking Buddy. I was surprised that Jon Favreau directed this film, but everybody has their duck in a chicken coop (Or something like that). The movie does a good deal of Christmas cheer to it while also being enjoyable. And because of this movie, I now know who (or what) a Zooey is, so I guess that's something. Very nice voice. The movie is quirky enough and manageable enough to be a classic, so I'd say to go watch it. And then get a big tree.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
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