By Chuck Stinson
It’s Christmas season again and every household has its own classic seasonal film. The Christmas movie is a family tradition – there are hundreds of heart-warming and funny films that get people in the holiday spirit. You can tune in to a young boy’s relentless efforts to get a Red Ryder BB gun, or if you’re more in the mood for action, you can rent the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic “Jingle All the Way.” The options are endless.
Jon Favreau (“Made,” “Swingers”) decided to take a directorial stab at the yuletide film with the 2003 “Elf,” and an instant classic was born.
In “Elf,” a baby stumbles into Santa’s big red sack, and is taken to the North Pole. Buddy (Will Ferrell, “Old School”) is raised as an elf for his entire life, until he finally discovers the difference between he and his peers – he’s 6-foot-4! Determined to find out where he came from, Buddy heads to the city to find his father (James Caan, “The Godfather”). He leaves the mystical North Pole behind him and heads to Manhattan, where nothing can get him down and everything tries.
Ferrell can play any role he puts his mind to, and his childlike innocence and fascination is captivating. Every experience is new and exciting, and most of Ferrell’s reactions are hilarious. Also, his chemistry with Caan was flawlessly executed; Buddy’s awkwardness is brushed over and manipulated to be nothing less than comical.
The DVD set is one of the best non-special editions I have ever seen. On two disks you are given two copies of the film, one widescreen and the other full screen. The special features on each disk are different and over all make a great package. Games, deleted scenes, karaoke and a read-along are just a few of the bonuses on the DVD. The real jewel is the great commentary by Favreau and Ferrell, which is as comical as the film itself.
Now in the $14.99 bin at many super markets, “Elf” is a must-have for any DVD collection. It’s a fun watch you’ll still be quoting when it’s 90 degrees outside.
