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New Line Cinema
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Discover your inner elf.
When young Buddy falls into Santa's gift sack on Christmas Eve, he's transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa's helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can't shake the nagging feeling that he doesn't belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic.
honeybee <3
Aug 30, 2026 · via TMDB
My dad, a lawyer and safety compliance officer, counted at least 4 deadly aspects of Buddy's sleeping situation at the orphanage, one of which is now illegal. Those nuns need to have a visit from CPS. > (4/5, originally reviewed 12/22/24)
tmdb51616167
Sep 2, 2024 · via TMDB
"Elf" is a holiday movie that has become a beloved classic over the years, despite some reservations about Will Ferrell's acting style. While not initially drawn to Ferrell's comedic performances, the film's charm and heartwarming storyline won over viewers, including those who may not typically enjoy his style of humor. Ferrell's portrayal of the character in "Elf" is noted for its over-the-top and somewhat obnoxious nature, traits that are characteristic of his comedic persona. However, the film's unique take on the holiday genre and its endearing story make it a standout production that has secured its place in the history of Christmas cinema. Despite any reservations about Ferrell's acting, "Elf" has become an iconic film that brings joy, laughter, and a sense of nostalgia to audiences. Its enduring popularity and ability to evoke feelings of warmth and merriment have solidified its status as a holiday classic that families revisit year after year. Overall, "Elf" is celebrated for its humor, heart, and timeless appeal, making it a film that is cherished and enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Its ability to spread holiday cheer and bring people together in laughter is a testament to its enduring legacy in the realm of Christmas movies.
Andre Gonzales
May 15, 2023 · via TMDB
In my opinion this is the best Christmas movie ever made. Its so hilarious that you laugh throughout. If you havent seen this, i highly suggest that you do.
CinemaSerf
Nov 19, 2022 · via TMDB
Whilst delivering toys to an orphanage, a curious baby crawls into Santa's sack. Back at the North Pole shortly after, this young lad makes his presence felt, is named "Buddy" and put in the care of "Papa Elf" (Bob Newhart). Years later, "Buddy" (Will Ferrell) has now grown to full height and isn't really fitting in - on any level. His adopted dad tells him something of his real parents and off to New Work he goes in search of his father "Walter" (James Caan) who had, hitherto, been completely unaware of this son's existence. Hard-nosed "Walter" is initially disinterested, but thanks to a photograph from years gone by, quickly decides to try and help his green-suited offspring to try and make his way in the world. "Buddy" isn't very good at much, but what he excels at is making friends and spreading good cheer - and all of that proves crucial when Santa (Ed Asner) finds his sleigh won't work on Christmas Eve for lack of Christmas spirit. Can "Buddy" rally the troops - and avoid the menacing Central Park Rangers? This is a jolly and fun Christmas feel-good film that has weathered the last twenty years rather well. The sentiment is well layered, the humour works for all ages and Caan compliments the sometimes cringe-making effusiveness of "Buddy" - aided by sparing but kindly appearances from Mary Steenburgen - well. There is even an hint of a romance for our good-natured soul in the form of "Jovie" (Zooey Deschanel) and as Christmas movies go, this is certainly one of the better ones.
Wuchak
Dec 28, 2020 · via TMDB
_**Destined to be played on TV every Christmas the rest of your life**_ Released in 2003 and directed by Jon Favreau, "Elf" is a Christmas dramedy/fantasy starring Will Farrell as an orphaned infant who stows away on Santa Claus' sleigh and isn't discovered until he's at the North Pole, where he's adopted by Papa Elf and named Buddy. After growing up as an elf, he travels to New York City to meet his father (James Caan) and starts a relationship with his neglected younger half-brother. He also starts a relationship with a department store worker (Zooey Deschanel) and helps spread Christmas cheer as Santa (Ed Asner) arrives to the city. This is an all-around entertaining Christmas flick highlighted by Farrell's goofiness as the quasi-elf. It's fun with consistent laughs, not to mention a nice Christmas moral. The film runs 97 minutes and was shot in New York City and Vancouver. GRADE: B+
Kamurai
Dec 10, 2020 · via TMDB
Good watch, will likely watch again, and can recommend. For all the good this movie has in it, there is a fair amount of annoying as well, which is what keeps it from being a great movie. A family reconnection trope, with a character out of his element trope, crossed with one of the most annoyingly positive characters of all time trope. Ultimately, it's a sweet, hear warming story that really captures the spirit of family, Christmas, and togetherness. It also captures all of the insanity Will Ferrell can conjure up for his character, basically as if he wrote a SNL Christmas special and just rode rough shod over the other actors. The cast does a wonderful job of backing up Will Ferrell, but that's clearly what it is. Around the holidays, especially, don't be afraid of giving this a try, and bear through the annoying bits, because there is likely something really funny just about to happen.
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
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Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
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Plex
Will Ferrell
Buddy
James Caan
Walter
Bob Newhart
Papa Elf
Ed Asner
Santa
Mary Steenburgen
Emily
Zooey Deschanel
Jovie
Daniel Tay
Michael
Faizon Love
Gimbels Manager
Peter Dinklage
Miles Finch
Amy Sedaris
Deb
Michael Lerner
Fulton
Andy Richter
Morris
Kyle Gass
Eugene
Artie Lange
Gimbels Santa
Leon Redbone
Leon the Snowman (voice)
Ray Harryhausen
Polar Bear Cub (voice)
Claire Lautier
NY 1 Reporter
Ted Friend
NY 1 Anchor
Patrick Ferrell
Security Guard
Patrick McCartney
Security Guard
Jon Favreau
Doctor / Mr. Narwhal (voice)
Lydia Lawson-Baird
Carolyn
Brenda McDonald
Nun
Meghan Black
Elf
Patrick Baynham
Elf
Michael Roberds
Disgruntled Cobbler Elf
Peter A. Hulne
Elf Twin
Richard Side
Elf Teacher
David-Paul Grove
Pom Pom
Kristian Ayre
Foom Foom
Brenda Crichlow
Office Co-Worker
Oscar Goncalves
Francisco
Mary Black
Nurse
John Murray
Man in Elevator
Mark Acheson
Mailroom Guy
Robin Mossley
Chuck
Matt Walsh
Matt Walsh
Will McCormack
Witness
Jonathan Bruce
Biker
Akeem A. Smith
School Kid
Peter Billingsley
Ming Ming (uncredited)
Craig 'Radio Man' Castaldo
Radioman (uncredited)
Graeme Duffy
Orange Elf (uncredited)
Maurice LaMarche
Buddy's Belch (voice) (uncredited)
Natasha Denis
Gimbels Elf (uncredited)
Joe Ranft
Store Owner (uncredited)
Jamie Vergan
Ice skater (uncredited)
Max Favreau
Young Buddy (uncredited)
Greg Gardiner
Director of Photography
Laura Jean Shannon
Costume Design
Doug Chapman
Stunts
Garvin Cross
Stunts
Owen Walstrom
Stunts
Jon Favreau
Director
Dan Lebental
Editor
Susie Farris
Casting Director
Cale Boyter
Executive Producer
Kent Alterman
Executive Producer
Toby Emmerich
Executive Producer
Shauna Robertson
Producer
Todd Komarnicki
Producer
David B. Householter
Unit Production Manager
John Debney
Original Music Composer
Dal McKennon
Vocal Coach
Stephen Chiodo
Animation Supervisor
Bill Westenhofer
Visual Effects Supervisor
Jon Favreau
Screenplay
Nov 7, 2003
Nov 5, 2013
4K UHD
Nov 1, 2022
4K UHD / Blu-ray
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In Order to Pass
1982
Best of British: TVR
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Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Top Gun: Maverick
2022 · 11 wins
Joker
2019 · 11 wins
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