Finally- a real family movie

Rating: Null/10 (14 November 2003)

A movie that proves sex doesn't always sell. No suggestive humor, no nudity or vile language, no fart jokes and big boobs. Its gotten sad when movies rated G, PG and up have to be screened before you can take your kids to see the movie because even G has some suggestive humor, or even a swear now and again.
But this movie was language free... the worst thing said is Son of a nutcracker. there's not vulgarity- there's no sex- there is nothing but a thousand laughs (And a really good Lord of the Rings reference near the end.)
the first ten minutes are a tad draggy, but once you get into the heart of the movie, its constant laughs. It will make you feel warm inside... you'll laugh till it hurts, and you don't have to be afraid of taking the whole family to see it. Its refreshing to see a movie that's funny because of good acting and a great script. they don't need to resort to "shock value" to hold the story together.
9/10 in my book. (would be 10 out of 10 but the first few minutes did drag a bit, and I wish I would have seen more Bob Newhart. he's a good actor, and made a great "Papa Elf". if he had more of a story and interaction with Buddy (Will Ferrell) it would have been even better.)