Elf

Name: Elf
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Family
Released: November 7, 2003
Duration: 97 min
Rating: 66
Cast: Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Will Ferrell

2003

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 39 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 390 Ratings

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8.4

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8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 390 Ratings

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Elf

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Movie Details & Credits

New Line Cinema | Release Date: November 7, 2003 | PG

Starring: Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Will Ferrell

Summary: A boy who was raised by Santa's elves returns to New York City to find his biological family.

Director: Jon Favreau

Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 97 min

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Critic Reviews

100

David Sterritt

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

Stephanie Zacharek

How many human beings among us are capable of making a comedy with wit and intelligence that also takes bold pleasure in unabashed silliness? I think this is what happens when you let an elf loose with a movie camera. Read full review

Lawrence Toppman

Will Ferrell strides through Elf like a crazily cheerful wind-up toy: arms swinging, legs stiff, mouth fixed in an impossibly happy grin, eyes wide with wonder. He's the Christmas gift nobody thought to ask for but everybody will want to play with. Read full review

Michael Agger

The music is chirpy and borderline annoying. But once you rearrange your expectations and give yourself over to the movie's unfailing earnestness, you realize that Favreau and Ferrell do heartwarming fairly well. Read full review

Ella Taylor

Charmingly irreverent. Read full review

Rene Rodriguez

There are precious few moments in Elf when Ferrell doesn't manage to at least get a smile out of you. Considering how cloying the movie might have turned out without him, that's a huge gift all its own. Read full review

Stephen Hunter

The first and possibly the last Will Ferrell star vehicle. It's a clumsy, tedious ride that wears out its welcome as it wears out the seat of your pants and the circulation in your lower limbs. Read full review

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User Reviews

CensingSpirit

Jan 14, 2012

GREAT FILM! it was funny and a perfect christmas movie to watch some parts of the movie are just too funny. Will Ferrell plays the part of elf really well.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

KellyGaudreau

Dec 6, 2021

A sure thing in our household every Christmas. Charming, hilarious, cute, and full of Christmas cheer. Will Ferrell is always an instant laugh for me and all he has to do is spit in a can and I am rolling on the floor peeing my pants. Bye Buddy, until next year.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MonkiReviews

May 22, 2017

One of the best Christmas movie ever. Home Alone, The Grinch, Charlie Brown, and this are the best movies for Christmas. The story and jokes are amazing and are even good if you watch it multiple times.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

FilmVirtue

Feb 15, 2014

With a film like this, you can't just watch it during Christmas, but during all times of the year. Elf proves to be the best holiday comedy since Bad Santa. With both laughs and feelings that move you heart towards the screen and not to the exit.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Gamzguy17

Aug 21, 2021

"Elf" successfully captures the essence of a children's holiday story to life. The loose plot is not the focus here. If questions about the plot are raised, it may suck your enjoyment out of this film. What makes "Elf" so enjoyable are its funny jokes, embracement of the Christmas holiday,"Elf" successfully captures the essence of a children's holiday story to life. The loose plot is not the focus here. If questions about the plot are raised, it may suck your enjoyment out of this film. What makes "Elf" so enjoyable are its funny jokes, embracement of the Christmas holiday, and Will Ferrell giving one of his best performances as Buddy (the elf), the titular character. In fact, if anyone else played this role, the film would not have been as strong.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

WalterKovacs

Dec 26, 2017

Great film. Timing is perfect. Falls short of being heart felt but still enjoyable for any age. A must see film.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Matt

Dec 17, 2007

The ending was terrible. Weak plot/storyline. Some parts were funny but overall the movie was bad.

0 of 4 users found this helpful

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24	#24 Most Discussed Movie of 2003
20	#20 Most Shared Movie of 2003