A Christmas Comedy-filled Gem!

Rating: Null/10 (12 December 2018)

Despite me growing up with this beloved Christmas classic, I went into my probably thirtieth rewatch with fresh eyes and a critical mindset. But wow, I could not stop laughing throughout the entirety of Elf. Whether it is Buddy the Elf doing the dumbest things that make you burst out laughing to the heartfelt redemption of the father character or the really cute romance between Buddy and Jovie, Elf is such a fantastic film on many levels.
What makes this film so endearing is that it is just so incredibly funny. There are moments where you will burst out laughing, which is exactly what I was doing in my theater. Ironically, I think Will Ferrell isn't the funniest guy in the world and believe him to be heavily oversaturated in American comedies, but he was incredibly charming here.
Minor complaints: First fifteen minutes have some horrendous CGI, cringe scenes, and really odd elf stuff that differs from the rest of the film, which is perfect. Once Buddy arrives to New York, all is good. Buddy makes some really dumb child-like decisions. Why would he eat chewed gum off the rails in New York city? Also, the implied Christian messages here are a little annoying. Like the fact that Santa's sleigh used to run of human spirit, but nobody believes anymore. But the film actually plays off of the religious undertones a lot, without specifically advocating for or against Claus as a Christian savior.
Regardless, Elf is perhaps my favorite Christmas film of all time. The complaints are minuscule compared to how hilarious this film is to you. I will forever play this in my household each year.
Also, Zooey Deschanel is only the most attractive woman from 2003. Wow. My first childhood crush.