The best Christmas present...laughter!!

Rating: Null/10 (17 November 2003)

The movie was a an unexpected surprise. The theatre was packed and everyone was rolling on the floor. This movie elicits more than a few chuckles and snickers - nothing less than full blown brings-tears-to-your-eyes laughs. I have to give special kudos to Will Ferrell (he finally broke away from the bland, boring, lackluster writing at SNL)to show that he does have his own considerable comedic chops - without him this film would not have been half as good. I also give thumbs-up to Bob Newhart, who played Farrell's elf mentor and looks his most pained when giving Farrell a heart-to-heart talk on his elf-sized lap. It was good to see Bob still has his deadpan timing. Edward Asner was also up to the mark with his protrayal of Old Saint Nick. Everyone in the film and out seemed to be enjoying themselves. This is definitely an adult/child crossover movie (like Shrek)that can appeal to both groups simultaneously. I recommend it to help limber up those so seldom used laugh muscles.