While many see Elf as a Christmas classic, a recent survey declared it the most overrated Christmas movie ever. Here’s why the cynics are wrong.
Though its critics may say ‘bah humbug,’ Elf is a delightful Christmas movie that is nowhere near as overrated as some claim it is. A recent survey conducted by UK website Metro News deemed 2003 holiday classic Elf as the most overrated Christmas movie, topping such films as Love Actually, Home Alone, and the oft-debated Die Hard. But even if fans find themselves feeling weary of the Jon Favreau-directed hit, there are a lot of reasons that it has remained so beloved for nearly two decades. Starring Will Ferrell, Elf is, at its core, a family movie, to be enjoyed by kids from 1 to 92. Simply put, there is something in it for everyone.
When Santa arrives at his workshop after another successful Christmas, he and his elves are surprised to discover a human stowaway in his magic sack of toys. When an elf who longs for children of his own volunteers to raise the child, Buddy, the North Pole sees its first-ever human elf. Set apart from his peers by his accelerated rate of aging and comparatively huge size, Buddy is shocked to discover the truth about his heritage–and that his birth father, Walter Hobbs, is on the naughty list. Encouraged by Papa Elf and the man in the sleigh himself, Buddy travels to New York, where he gets into all sorts of misadventures, bringing oodles of Christmas spirit with him.
Many Elf critics cite Will Ferrel’s childlike performance as annoying; in reality, it’s one of the movie’s greatest strengths. Ferrell approaches the character of Buddy with a real earnestness that the film could not possibly work without. There is no sense that he is nodding to the camera or winking at the audience. Buddy is not funny on purpose and that is what makes him so uniquely loveable. Elf is about believing and a suspension of disbelief is what makes this movie really soar. Going in with a skeptical attitude is likely what ruins Elf for many adult viewers, and during the current pandemic, it’s understandable that film fans might be in the market for a less-than-sugary-sweet holiday film. However, for those seeking a little magic, Elf couldn’t be more perfect.
Other popular Christmas films like Love Actually and Die Hard are undeniably fun, but they possess a cynicism that Elf manages to do largely without. Laughs in Love Actually come from situational irony (such as two adult film stand-ins getting to know each other in various compromising positions) or from barbed jokes (Hugh Grant’s comment of “God, you weigh a lot,” to his new girlfriend, who has been teased for being perceived as overweight for the entirety of the film). Die Hard serves up action against its holiday-themed backdrop for a thrilling romp. But Elf is a completely earnest Christmas movie, deriving its laughs from flipped expectations, misunderstandings, and good old physical comedy. The jokes are never hurtful, only relentlessly silly, and all cynicism is wiped away at the film’s heart-warming close.
Ultimately, Buddy’s errant father chooses his family over his money-focused job and the previously grumpy Jovie spreads Christmas spirit to all of New York City simply by being vulnerable and singing in front of a crowd. While some may call Elf cheesy, others see it as heartfelt. It doesn’t condemn anyone; in fact, Santa Claus himself says that while those on the naughty list may “lose sight of what’s important in life, that doesn’t mean they can’t find their way again.” Elf might be overwhelmingly popular, but its genuine heart and endearing humor are what make it a holiday mainstay year after year.
