Find out: why Will Ferrell's performance is a good one, and which radiant newcomer to look out for...

Rating: Null/10 (13 December 2003)

As the delightful human who was raised by elves at the north pole, Will Ferrell, the greatest new comic actor out, walks a fine line between satire and genuineness.
If he played Buddy completely for laughs, the movie would not imbue the audience with christmas spirit, and make us forget our doubts for a magical hour and a half.
If he played Buddy completely subversively, poking fun at the christmas myth, adults would perhaps have had a few more laughs than they did.
The reason Ferrell's performance is one of the best comic performances in recent memory, is that it serves both these purposes: there is a hint of satire in Ferrell's over-the-top enthusiasm, yet the innocence on his face appears absolutely genuine. One of the greatest sources of humour in the movie comes from actually believing Buddy has the mind of a child.
Truly a remarkable thing. After this he goes on my list of greatest comic actors.
My other favourite thing about this movie (which i found absolutely magical) was exciting newcomer Zooey Deschanel. She was absolutely radiant in this movie. I would watch it again just to watch her. She played William's sister in "Almost Famous" who leaves home to become an airline hostess (and plays Simon & Garfunkel's "America" to her mother to explain why she must, in one of the movies's best scenes). She also played one of the funniest characters in "The Good Girl" - Cheryl who remedies her boredom with her job by insulting customers without their understanding. I've now become a pilgrim of hers, and will follow movies wherever she goes. And believe me, i'm not usually this enthusastic!