Summer was momentarily suspended on the night of Wednesday, December 14th in favour of a winter’s chill. While it wasn’t ideal weather for outdoor cinema, the cold provided a fitting ambience for the screening of 2003’s Elf, presented by Cinema Pop Up, who are currently touring Victoria, screening cinematic treasures of new and old. Despite being only thirteen years old, the Will Ferrell comedy has become somewhat of a modern Christmas classic among contemporary audiences, and after finally seeing it for myself this past week at Traralgon’s Victory Park, I can understand the appeal.
I’m sure to many that the idea of a man raised by Santa’s elves travelling to New York City in search of his biological father initially sounds a little absurd, but surprisingly it works. This off-the-wall festive fantasy celebrates a larger-than-life individual who lives and breathes Christmas in every waking moment, impacting those around him ultimately for the better. Will Ferrell embodies a childlike persona as the film’s star, Buddy, in a performance that has gone on to almost define the now-veteran comedic actor, cementing Elf as a staple of seasonal viewing. Supporting characters do a wonderful job playing it straight to their lead’s zany antics, most notably James Caan as Buddy’s alleged father Walter, a selfish book publisher and Zooey Deschanel as unenthused department store employee Jovie.
It’s not Miracle on 34th Street, or It’s a Wonderful Life, but Elf is undeniably original and genuinely funny. If you have the time during this hectic period, sneak it in while there’s still time.
ELF
(2003 dir: Jon Favreau)
★★★½
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