Elf

  • PG (UNITED KINGDOM)
  • 2003


MOVIE IS sugary hilarious sardonic historical unrelenting
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78 %
85 % Certified-fresh
$ 227 Million
See Where to Watch Elf
Positive Reviews 71
Negative reviews 8
Average Rating 3.5/5
sugary hilarious sardonic historical unrelenting

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  • Positive
  • Negative
1.5
A kissing cousin to 1988s notorious Scroogedanother Christmas fable that grapples with New York City cynicismElf clearly doesnt believe the yuletide s .. Av Club
2.5
The cast wrings laughs out of David Berenbaums script as if it were a damp washcloth, but even they have trouble selling frenetic button pushing as th .. Av Club
3.5
Elf is a movie thats so profoundly ridiculous that it has to be admired, if for no other reason other than its sheer willingness to run with its premi .. Austin Chronicle
3.0
But its soon evident that part of Favreaus task was to temper the storys warm and fuzzy themes with a hip retro feel epitomised by some vintage style .. Screen Daily
4.5
Elf is a Christmas comedy thats as sweet natured and goofily amusing as its title character, a gangly innocent played, in his first solo starring role .. Screen Daily
3.8
It took me about 10 seconds of seeing Will Ferrell in the elf costume to realize how very wrong I was.This is one of those rare Christmas comedies tha .. Rogerebert
3.5
Sure, the film is slanted more toward the younger generation, but it doesnt leave out the adults and provides just enough entertainment for everyone a .. JoBlo
5.0
It does have enough of an original spin that is employed effectively by Will Ferrel to deliver lots of laughs that you can enjoy with your kids. Screen Rant
3.1
Cause Elf is jolly but could have been jollier, funny but could have been funnier, charming but . . . well, point made.The idea is a hoot. The Globe And Mail
3.8
Director Jon Favreau keeps the film sincere and adult for most of the running time. Combust Ible Celluloid
2.5
Director Jon Favreau pitches this secular fable (2003) at the level of the old Rankin Bass TV specials, which results in a smarmy and unconvincing fam .. Chicago Reader
3.8
Director Jon Favreau and screenwriter David Berenbaum have created a charming family film and never fall into the trap of falling back on overly obnox .. Mark Reviews Movies
2.5
Its message is unobjectionable, and there are a few laughs to be had, but too much of Elf is like Buddys favorite meals: syrupy sweet. Usa Today
2.8
This is supposed to be funny, but it seemed like pretty lame comedy to me. Lariat
3.8
This sets the stage for what turns out to be one of the jolliest, funniest, most deliriously whimsical family comedies weve seen in quite a while. Eric Ds Nider
3.0
This amusing, sweet natured ode to retro Christmas warmth and cheer is directed by Swingers and Made star Jon Favreau. News Review
3.0
Dressed in a snug green outfit throughout and dispensing decorations, sugary snacks and a beaming grin, Ferrell is the life and soul of an infectiousl .. Radio Times
3.5
Director Jon Favreau has the good sense to just stand out of his way. Rolling Stone
3.0
Favreau directs the film like a holiday classic bright and wacky, with witty touches and references that will make the film enjoyable over multiple vi .. Shadows On The Wall
4.0
This is largely because there are so many of them the script is well written and packed with both good lines and hilarious sight gags. View London
5.0
Its a terrific movie, smart and funny enough to hold up at any time of year. Cs Monitor
4.0
As strong as this cast is, a great deal of the films success is due to Berenbaums imaginative script and Favreaus confident direction. Film Journal
4.0
Thankfully, its never preachy though it does get a little gooey simply because in defining his own ideas of cool, Favreau is way too cool to preach. Mountain X
5.0
And Ive been humming Baby, Its Cold Outside ever since leaving the theater.Ferrell and Deschanel (Big Trouble) do a poignant duet of that number in on .. Reel Talk Reviews
3.8
A lot of the beats are a bit too familiar from previous entries in the series, which isnt surprising given that this is the fifth film to play off the .. Q Network
3.5
Despite the narrative flaws, Elf is a guiltless family comedy for all audiences with just a simple but very appealing story, and I couldnt help but re .. Cinema Crazed
4.0
But how many human beings among us are capable of making a comedy with wit and intelligence that also takes bold pleasure in unabashed silliness Salon
3.0
Sight gags and a Santa centred story should keep the kids happy, too. Empire
4.0
This movie is sweet and funny, though it cant quite seem to make up its mind whether people should need proof of Santas existence or not. Common Sense Media
3.8
Instead, Elf is funny and intelligently made, a film for kids and adults thats both sweet and sardonic. Sf Gate
3.0
Casting Caan is another clever move.Where a lesser actor would welcome the chance to get touchy feely on screen, the former Godfather star looks genui .. Bbc
2.5
In one of the films funnier bits, the actors naive stranger in a strange land shtick targets a diners proclamation that theyre selling the worlds best .. Slant Magazine
3.0
But Ferrell provides just enough humor to get us through the familiar fare and enjoy the ride. Washington Post
1.5
Its a clumsy, tedious ride that wears out its welcome as it wears out the seat of your pants and the circulation in your lower limbs. Washington Post
3.5
The movie succeeds because it at once restrains its sticky, gooey good cheer and wildly overdoes it. The New York Times
3.8
The jokes, many of which are of the physical variety, avoid tastelessness and bathroom humor and are all the more funny because they shoot for the cle .. The Movie Boy
3.5
Elf does such a great job of winning you over early on that youll gladly endure it. Bullz-Eye
3.8
This is a movie about hope and belief in what is good in people and may just help restore some of the lost Christmas Spirit in this fast paced world. Reeling Reviews
3.8
This is a movie about hope and belief in what is good in people and may just help restore some of the lost Christmas Spirit in this fast paced world. Reeling Reviews
1.5
But there is no Santa, and the world is full of Naughty people who not only go coal free but get bonuses for their Naughtiness when it doesnt even try .. Flickfilosopher
3.0
But director Jon Favreau (writer of cooler, more adult fare like Swingers and Made) takes the cutesy script by David Berenbaum, hands it to a crack ca .. Las Vegas Weekly
4.0
8 things to watch out for this week Feature Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 multiplayer beta debuts on PS4, Monster Hunter World hits PC and Better Call Sau .. Total Film
3.1
The premise is simple enough, and sounds like a decent basis for a Christmas carol. ReelViews
2.5
With a wacky concept and a great cast its a shame director Jon Favreau (Made) never fully exploits Elfs potential; Like Santas reindeer guided sleigh .. Hollywood
3.5
But the real gift of Elf is the simple pleasure of a sweet and funny comedy that genuinely embraces its message of holiday cheer and still has fun goo .. Seattle Pi
3.0
While his plotting may leave a little to be desired, Favreau directs with speed, humour and efficiency. Standard
4.5
Its funny and touching.What amazes me is that a film like this could be made in a Hollywood that produces trash like Kill Bill and In The Cut. Tony Medley
3.1
Favreau doesnt have a firm enough grip on that spirit to build it to a proper crescendo, leaving the films contrived Santa vs. NYPD climax feeling fla .. Spliced Wire
3.8
Despite an overwhelmingly action packed third act, Zathura is generally a fast paced and energetic family film thats sure to appeal to both children a .. Reel Film
2.5
But the jokes are sparse and the schmaltzy ending is just a little too much to ask. Movie Habit
3.0
Rosie DiManno: Sometimes, the truth simply will never be known Last week we learned that we likely will never learn the cause of two spectacular myste .. The Star
3.8
Yet this charming little holiday comedy is the movie equivalent of comfort food. Deseret News
3.5
Will Ferrells elf portrait is not only funny, but it has got a big heart, too. E Online
3.5
While the film certainly has its festive heart in the right place, its also very funny, with a slightly warped sense of humour. Urban Cine File
4.4
As this engaging and offbeat picture tells it, gnomes drink and trolls arent toilet trained. Movies Tv Guide
3.0
But it is far and away the more winning movie, and it comes by its unrelenting schmaltz more or less honestly. La Weekly
3.1
Instead of copying ideas from other Christmas movies, Elf should have lampooned them. Three Movie Buffs
3.8
Shrewd direction by Jon Favreau (Made) and David Berenbaums smart, colorful script lend a sly modernity to this delightfully fractured Christmas fairy .. New York Post
4.2
Started several years ago, Art Alley is an evolving showcase of Kansas City street artists. Kansas City
3.8
James Caan is greatly cast in this role and sells even the strangest sorts of sentiment even enough to rise above some of the unreasonably grumpy Grin .. The Filmy Ap
3.8
The perfectly cast Will Ferrell supports the entire film until its ridiculous Central Park finale. Big Picture Big Sound
4.5
For those of you with a belly laugh on your wish list, Christmas has come early this year. Movie Web
4.0
Since it doesnt dwell on one joke for too long, the humor never gets stale, and the story moves along at a brisk pace, always looking for new sources .. ComingSoon
2.5
This is basically an arthouse horror thriller, The Columbine Semiautomatic Rifle Massacre. Montreal Film Journal
2.0
But the movie might just be too adult for its kiddie target audience. Film Guardian
0.0
Yes, I know it looks funny on paper, but after 90 laughter free minutes youll be remembering Scrooged as the Citizen Kane of Christmas movies, and han .. Film Guardian
2.0
One of the biggest problems with Elf is that it never quite figures out what kind of movie it wants to be is it a kids film.A comedy Dvd Talk
3.5
Ferrell plays this role as if he has the mental capacity of about a 4 year old, which comes off mostly hilarious and only occasionally disturbing. Film Quips Online
4.0
Making this pay off without winking at the audience is a difficult task, and Elf doesnt always feel all of a piece. But in Saturday Night Live alumnus .. La Times
3.2
Will Farrell is competent and entertaining as the cheerful, wide eyed elf lost in the big city, and in the end the film delivers a warm, feel good Chr .. Decent Films
2.2
But kids deserve better, just like adults, and if Elf is the best we can do, it only goes to show how starved we are for decent fare.Christmas candy s .. Flip Side Archive
4.0
However, now it has grown to be a holiday classic that can be enjoyed by grown ups and kids alike. Fat Guys At The Movies
3.8
Nearly all Christmas stories end with the rejuvenation of holiday spirit. Articles Chicago Tribune
3.8
We want you to be happy!.What if I do a mailing and get returned mail Movie Eye
3.8
But for the most part, the film is funny enough to make its shortcomings forgivable. Nicks Chager
2.5
But it will give your kids plenty of fun plastic items to nag for this Christmas. Juicy Cerebellum
3.8
Families have discovered how funny and how well this little film tells its King sized holiday message: the only size that counts is how big your heart .. Abc News Go
3.8
Both contribute to the movies considerable charm, but neither they nor anything else raise it to the level of magic. Articles Baltimore Sun
3.5
But this familiar, perfunctory holiday movie motive doesnt have the usual gloss here. Web Archive
3.1
But as hilarious as the movie can be, it also tries too hard to appeal as much to small kids as it does to grown ups. Articles Sun Sentinel
3.5
Game of Thrones: Sounds Like the Iron Bank Wont Be in the Final Season IGN News The representative of the Iron Bank, Tycho Nestoris played by Mark Gat .. Film Force Ign
4.0
While occasionally enjoyable, the film can hardly be called a classic. Blu Ray Ign
3.5
It is this appeal that transforms the film from strictly bathroom humor into a tender comedy. The Reel Deal
2.2
Lisbon broke a 37 year old record to notch its hottest temperature ever as an unrelenting heat wave baked Portugal and neighboring Spain. Edge Boston
3.8
The question, at the risk of sounding like Glinda the Good Witch of the North, is this: Is it good kitsch or bad kitschThankfully, its good kitsch, an .. Entertainment Sltrib
5.0
Theres nothing at all adventurous about Elf; it couldnt be more formulaic if it were cooked up in a chemistry lab. Cleve Scene
3.8
Heartwarming good humor feels like a pretty good cinematic Christmas gift to me. Almanac News



See Where to Watch Elf