• Elf (2003)

    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
64
metacriticBased on 38 Critics
86
Based on 334 Users

Release Date: November 7th, 2003

DVD Release Date: November 16th, 2004

PG |1 hr 37 min

Plot Summary

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.

Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel, Daniel Tay, Faizon Love

Director: Jon Favreau

Genres: Children , Comedy , Fantasy

Production Co: Shawn Danielle Production Services, Mosaic Media Group, Guy Walks into a Bar Productions, Gold/Miller Productions

Distributors: New Line Cinema

Keywords: Family , 2000s , Growing up , Father , Hilarious , New York City , Girlfriend , Son , Transformation

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 80
    Michael RechtshaffenThe Hollywood Reporter

    While the words "instant holiday classic" might be pushing it, Elf is at the very least a breezily entertaining, perfectly cast family treat. show more

  • 100
    David SterrittChristian Science Monitor

    It's a terrific movie, smart and funny enough to hold up at any time of year. show more

  • 75
    Steven ReaPhiladelphia Inquirer

    Pays homage to a sack of Christmas movies, from the department store Claus of "Miracle on 34th Street" to a standing-on-the-bridge-contemplating-suicide moment, a la "It's a Wonderful Life." show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com