unabashedly sweet and funny Christmas movie

Rating: Null/10 (17 December 2003)

Having just seen "Elf" I found myself wondering "who would NOT like this movie"? It is so void of the usual self-indulgent "irony" of most of the crap comedies out there. There are no precocious kids uttering snap phrases or playing pranks to show what idiots adults are, no one stepping in dog-do, no un-funny gags or jokes that beg the question "what were they thinking when they wrote this?" I think it is the unique movie that is not made specifically for kids, but would be thoroughly enjoyed by them. Sure, the premise has been played out a million times (which one: the fish out of water, the innocent man-child who teaches all a lesson about being positive or seeming to be a genius in his naivete, the grump who sees the light about what's "really important" etc.) but in what a great way. Will Ferrell totally captures how a child comments and behaves on things he sees and just can't believe, and what a lineup for the rest of the cast! Who knew Zooey Deschanel had such a great sexy voice? The duet in the Gimbel's bathroom is simply charming. Artie Lange as the "fake" Santa? (an "Old School" reunion of sorts!) And Amy Sedaris as the chirpy assistant to James Caan? Give the casting director a raise.
The filmmakers obviously had a great time making this clever Christmas movie (the use of Etch-a Sketches is brilliant as are the Christmas decorations that Buddy makes)that leaves you with a grin on your face. If you are looking for existential film fare, this ain't it. And that's okay. You just can't help but enjoy this movie.