Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 16, 2014
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8

Critic Reviews

  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Dec 17, 2014
    88
    Elf: Buddy's Musican Christmas should be on the Christmas TV calendar for years to come.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ray Rahman
    Dec 12, 2014
    83
    Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas probably won't become a classic, but it's a fun break from the usual standards.
  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Dec 16, 2014
    80
    [A] delightful animated hour.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Dec 15, 2014
    80
    For those unfamiliar with the Broadway version, the songs are great fun, and work particularly well juxtaposed with animation.
  6. Denver Post
    Reviewed by: Joanne Ostrow
    Dec 12, 2014
    80
    [Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas is] clever enough for adults, sweet enough for young kids and musically inventive enough to please the worst Scrooge.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Erik Adams
    Dec 16, 2014
    75
    Narratively and emotionally rushed, at least Buddy’s Musical Christmas smartly emphasizes its animated nature, through visual inventiveness and top-flight voice talent.
  8. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Dec 16, 2014
    67
    As holiday newcomers go, this is much better than socks and underwear from Grandma. Just don’t expect a shiny new train set.
  9. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Dec 15, 2014
    40
    Elf offers some slight, warmed over charms.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best TV Season of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. vladdie93
    Dec 17, 2014
    5
    Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas is an extraordinarily underwhelming and rushed rehash of a story we've already seen before, turning thatElf: Buddy's Musical Christmas is an extraordinarily underwhelming and rushed rehash of a story we've already seen before, turning that feeling of the holidays into slightly marketable indigestion.

    The actors that they got for this are obviously the best part. Jim Parsons, Gilbert Gottfried, Rachael MacFarlane and Mark Hamill all do what they can with what they're given. But even this amazing cast cannot fix what is essentially a broken script. This "holiday special" has incredibly judgmental and harsh characters. You have a Santa who is sick and tired of the cheer and love for Christmas (despite NEEDING it to fly his sleigh), a rather quick to hate Buddy who talks about how awful kids on the naughty list are, and scary as hell blue elves with incredibly sharp teeth practically taking up the entire shot. And we're supposed to root for these people!

    If you have a hankering to see a Elf, just watch ELF. Not this undercooked redo only meant to cash in on someone else's success.    … Full Review »
  2. chrismovieguy
    Dec 20, 2014
    9
    I must say I really enjoyed this I personally thought that it was a terrific special for. Christmas full of fun and over all joy for everyoneI must say I really enjoyed this I personally thought that it was a terrific special for. Christmas full of fun and over all joy for everyone good spirits good heart and fantastic humor highly recommend it loved buddy the elf hilarious I think if u try it u will too so what are u waiting for get your family together and watch it today… Full Review »
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