Elf (2003)
The real question for adults when
considering a film like "Elf" is obvious. Is it funny?
And the answer is a resounding YES! "Elf" is funny
consistently throughout. Of course, it's a no-brainer
too when considering who will find it humorous too.
If you think Will Ferrell is funny, then you are going
to love "Elf." He's in nearly every scene and he brings
his eclectic and odd goofball sense of humor to the
film every moment. Ferrell pushes the envelope here
not only by diving head first into the material but
also by knowing when to reign in his tongue-in-cheek
performance and make it all seem heartfelt. It's a
beautiful tightrope walk and Ferrell never makes a
misstep.
For those of us who have seen the
preview for the movie a zillion times, the good news
is that almost everything in the trailer happens within
the first five minutes of "Elf." There's a lot of
comedy here. The set-up of Ferrell as human baby raised
by elves takes less then five minutes to establish.
And in less than 10 minutes, Ferrell is out on his
own, beginning the fish-out-of-water yucks that we
expect from an "elf in the real world" story.
For kids, the film is tame and fairly
innocuous. This is a great comedy for families because
the humor is so goofy and silly, everyone can get
it. It's funny to kids when an elf freaks out after
he sees a department store Santa and rips off his
beard saying, "You're a fake!" They get the joke and
they understand why it's funny. Adults will love Ferrell's
ability to just go for it and make it funny. (Plus
the scene has a really well established set-up). Ferrell
is never afraid to look foolish or seem out of his
mind. He's delightful and enjoyable and likeable.
And even more amazing, the film
has a heart as big as the North Pole. This isn't some
"dirty" adult film that's full of innuendo so that
adults laugh too. Nope. Ferrell plays it for laughs
by playing it straight. And the script has him being
such a believer in Christmas spirit that the feeling
easily overtakes the audience. You will believe that
reindeer can fly by the end of the film.
Ferrell is backed by an awesome
group of folks, too. Director Jon Favreau (of "Swingers"
fame) paces the film perfectly, allows Ferrell plenty
of room to be zany, and keeps the heart of the piece
in exactly the right place. Favreau also takes a cameo
in the film and gets in on the fun. But behind the
camera, Favreau is as fearless as Ferrell in where
he will go for a laugh. A couple of classic TV Christmas
claymation specials even get spoofed here (or paid
homage to, depending on your opinion).
Bob Newhart gets laughs as Ferrell's
adopted elf father. Ed Asner is a surprisingly realistic
Santa Claus, James Caan is the perfect straight-man
to Ferrell's antics, Mary Steenburgen adds a nice,
light touch as well. Even young actor Daniel Tay offers
up a few inspired moments. But the true find of "Elf"
is Zooey Deschanel. Sure, those of us who love indie
films have liked her for a very long time now. But
for others, this is going to be the film that makes
her a mainstream star. She's so sweet and perfect
here that we see why Ferrell falls for her easily.
And, even more surprisingly, Deschanel sings here
in a voice that is sweet and crisp and as clear as
a Christmas bell. I even double checked the closing
credits and it is indeed her own voice. Who knew she
could sing so beautifully!
"Elf" may very well be the funniest
Christmas film since "A Christmas Story." The screening
I attended, packed mainly with adults, had so many
people laughing that you could often not hear the
dialogue over the guffaws. This is a wonderful Christmas
comedy for the elf in all of us.
Note:
Also with Faizon Love, Andy Richter
and Kyle Gass.
Leon Redbone sings a few songs.
He is quickly becoming known as the modern voice of
Christmas.
Viewed at an advanced screening
at AFF in October
2003.
