“I’m a cotton-headed ninny muggins!”
synopsis
Buddy the Elf, a human raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole, learns the truth about his origins and travels to New York City to find his real father. His childlike enthusiasm collides with the cynical world of adults, creating chaos everywhere he goes. Along the way, Buddy spreads Christmas cheer in the only way he knows how—singing loudly, eating absurd amounts of sugar, and believing wholeheartedly in the spirit of the season.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Will Ferrell’s joyful, over-the-top performance turned Elf into a modern Christmas classic. The film walks a fine line between goofy and sincere, but Ferrell’s complete commitment to Buddy’s innocence keeps it charming rather than annoying. Underneath the jokes is a surprisingly sweet story about rediscovering childlike wonder.
A mug of hot chocolate overloaded with marshmallows and the simple joy of laughing at someone who believes the world should always be this cheerful.
Absurdist's Corner
Buddy eats spaghetti with maple syrup, candy, marshmallows, and chocolate and somehow survives. Most humans would require immediate medical attention.
fun facts
Director Jon Favreau used practical sets and forced perspective to make Buddy appear oversized at the North Pole.
The spaghetti Buddy eats with syrup and candy was actually eaten by Will Ferrell during filming.
The film has become one of the most widely quoted Christmas comedies of the 21st century.