Elf (2003)
What more do you want from Christmas than some warm fuzzies, friends returning from afar and the miracle of Shat The Movies covering another film from the new millennium? Maybe some Will Farrell.
“Elf” is the rare movie that old people like Dick Ebert and young people like Ash’s kids can equally enjoy. It’s timeless, hilarious, a bit optimistic and a clever nod to the Christmas classics that came before.
In this episode, the Shat Crew discusses Zooey Deschanel’s singing, the perils of an all-sugar diet, New York City peaking in 2005, what makes a good Christmas movie, whether we’re losing our holiday spirit, the “Elf” test ending that bombed, Central Park Rangers and the national treasures that are Bob Newhart and the late James Caan.
Merry Christmas, everyone, and thank you for listening.
Plot Summary:
In the 2003 holiday comedy Elf, directed by Jon Favreau, Will Ferrell shines as Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole who sets out on a quest to find his real father. As a baby, Buddy crawled into Santa’s sack of gifts and was accidentally transported back to the North Pole, where he was adopted by Papa Elf (Bob Newhart). Growing up among the elves, Buddy remains blissfully unaware of his human origins until his enormous size and lack of toy-making skills make it impossible to ignore. When he learns the truth, Buddy decides to journey to New York City to reconnect with his biological father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan).
Buddy arrives in New York City with childlike wonder and enthusiasm, but his infectious Christmas spirit clashes with the cynical, fast-paced world around him. Walter, a grumpy children’s book publisher, initially dismisses Buddy as delusional, but when a DNA test confirms their relationship, he reluctantly takes him in. Buddy’s attempts to bond with his skeptical father, his new half-brother Michael (Daniel Tay), and Walter’s wife Emily (Mary Steenburgen) lead to a series of humorous and heartwarming encounters.
As Buddy navigates the challenges of big-city life, he also finds love in the form of Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), a department store employee who is captivated by his genuine innocence and love for Christmas. Meanwhile, Buddy’s relentless optimism and belief in the magic of Christmas begin to melt the hearts of those around him, even his hardened father.
Elf is a delightful holiday classic that combines slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and memorable performances from its talented cast. Join our podcast review as we explore why Elf continues to be a beloved holiday favorite and discuss whether its charm and humor still bring joy to audiences today.
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