By Olivia Hudak – Entertainment Editor 

“Elf” is a 2003 film about the famous elf, Buddy. This is a hit Christmas comedy movie that is a must-watch every Christmas. This movie stars Buddy (Will Ferrell), as well as his love interest Jovie, his long lost father Walter, and his “step-brother,” Michael. This is a family comedy movie that consists of jokes, laughs, and holiday cheer.

“Elf” is about Buddy the elf who was a human raised by Santa’s elves. He goes on to learn about his origins and leaves the North Pole to head to New York City to meet his biological father. His father, Walter Hobbs, is a very serious business man who isn’t interested in any games or laughter, which buddy opposes. Walter thinks that Buddy is just a random crazy elf that just roams the city streets but then after a while gets a DNA test to see. It comes back to show that he is Buddy’s father so they then try and form a closer relationship. The theme that is developed in this film is the idea of finding your place in the world where you belong. Buddy has a hard time fitting in with the elves and even with humans. Viewers watch throughout the film how he is accepted and watch as his true self is discovered. 

This movie really shows the holiday spirit need in every Christmas movie. It’s a great movie for children and even adults. It shows you the real life Christmas spirit that you always need even as an adult. “Elf” focuses on different holiday themes in a nice, heartwarming way. This movie is also very unique and unlike any Christmas movies people have seen. It’s very original and it incorporates a lot of well thought-out humor. It’s a fun and cheerful movie but it also captures a message for viewers to take in and learn from. 

The only weakness in the movie “Elf” was how Buddy and his father’s relationship was kind of very sudden and not realistic. In the movie, Buddy annoys his dad and makes him angry. He then ruins his important business meeting and makes him lose out on money. So how did Walter forgive Buddy so easily and come to quit his job for him when they didn’t even have that close of a relationship before? The directors could have fixed that part of the movie. But overall, “Elf” is a great movie that everyone needs to watch during the holidays.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars