Big Elf, Big Laughs

Rating: 7/10 (11 November 2003)

This movie has some big, big laughs it. It's clever and very well done. Even the artwork in the opening credits showed the makers of the film understood what they were doing- they were embracing all the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials (Rudolph, Frosty,etc.)all the other cheesy Xmas movies and we were going to have FUN. Ferrell is a strong comic force and he is hilarious in the movie - he gives 100% and it pays off. Great to see comic legend Bob Newhart on the big screen and the visuals of Ferrell crushing Newhart's lap is priceless. Now, it is not a perfect movie of course - yes, near the end it kind of runs in place and spins it's wheels and Caan's complete character turnaround is fake - he changes just because it is time to change cuz the mvie needs to wind down. BUT, come on,folks, this isn't Terms Of Enderament or To Kill A Mocking bird, it's a holiday comedy ABOUT AN ELF!!!!! And for that and it's high concept premise, it really works. Sit back, eat the popcorn and enjoy it.