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Elf

PG Released Nov 7, 2003 1h 37m Kids & Family Holiday Comedy Fantasy TRAILER for List
86% Tomatometer 203 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
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Elf

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Critics Consensus

A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers.

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Critics Reviews

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Radheyan Simonpillai CBC Radio Elf's hopeful and uplifting response to post-9/11 cynicism is gentle, right up to a climax where the world is huddled around their television sets watching news reports trying to figure out what's that thing that crashed in New York City. Dec 11, 2023 Full Review Kevin Maher Times (UK) It’s not just the lines, written by David Berenbaum, that work... It’s Ferrell’s bullish commitment to the concept that holds the Jon Favreau-directed film together. Rated: 4/5 Dec 1, 2023 Full Review Neil Norman London Evening Standard While his plotting may leave a little to be desired, Favreau directs with speed, humour and efficiency. Dec 14, 2014 Full Review Cory Woodroof For the Win (USA Today) Even if Elf might be a bit overplayed during the holiday season, Ferrell’s puppy-like enthusiasm has kept this film fresh even after all these years. Aug 21, 2023 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Elf isn’t a pre-fabricated piece of synthetic Christmas cheer like such junk as Deck the Halls, Jingle All the Way or the worst-of-the-worst Christmas With the Kranks. Rated: 2.5/4 Feb 15, 2023 Full Review Christopher Lloyd The Film Yap Just not in time for the holidays, a recent revisit with the surprise Christmas classic earns a smidgen more love from our resident crusty curmudgeon. Rated: 4.5 Jan 23, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

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Javon what a Christmas classic! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/03/24 Full Review Rusty B It was fun watch "Elf" for the 20th anniversary of the movie, which I love and can relate to, and it was great to see it on the big screen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/07/24 Full Review Caren E Best movie ever! Bring back more oldies but goodies! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/21/23 Full Review Mark G Just a great funny movie! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/18/23 Full Review Brenda Have seen n TV but on the big screen it is much better!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/10/23 Full Review Paul Brilliant as ever! I wish they would show this in the theater every year! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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"Santa, here? I know him!" from ‘Elf’ | Rotten Tomatoes’ 21 Most Memorable Moments "Santa, here? I know him!" from ‘Elf’ | Rotten Tomatoes’ 21 Most Memorable Moments 3:09 Elf: Trailer 2 Elf: Trailer 2 2:13 MCU Phase One Interview: Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige Recalls the Beginnings MCU Phase One Interview: Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige Recalls the Beginnings 11:21 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
Director
Jon Favreau
Producer
Jon Berg, Todd Komarnicki, Shauna Robertson
Screenwriter
David Berenbaum
Distributor
New Line Cinema
Production Co
Shawn Danielle Production Services, Mosaic Media Group, Guy Walks into a Bar Productions, Gold/Miller Productions
Rating
PG (Some Mild Rude Humor|Language)
Genre
Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 7, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 11, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$177.1M
Runtime
1h 37m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby SR, DTS, Surround
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