I am a Chanukah gal, yet, I was raised to appreciate the spirit of the Christmas Season. As a little girl, my mom always took me to see the tree all lit up at Rockefeller Center in New York City. We would allow time to watch the ice skaters while sipping hot chocolate. We never missed walking down Fifth Avenue to admire the amazing window displays. Every year they were different and magical. Although I have never sat on Santa’s lap myself, I did smile watching every child’s face at Macy’s Santa Claus North Pole. I listened to the deep tones of “ho, ho, ho!”Everyone was so happy. I loved walking into the big department stores holding my mom’s hand while dream shopping. She used to say, “It never hurts to dream.” I remember feeling swept away by the joy and laughter. Even though we were very poor, I felt rich and loved. I never thought of myself as deprived for not celebrating Christmas. I don’t remember feeling left out.
When I had children of my own, I made sure they too felt “enough” during the holidays. I took them dream shopping too. We visited the best house decorated homes in Phoenix. We went with a dear friend and her three kids together in one car and ended the evening with a huge cup of cocoa and ice cream. Each year I hosted a festive Chanukah party for our neighborhood, friends, and family. There was a Latka competition, dreidel spinning, and chocolate Chanukah gelt (coins) to be devoured. My children grew up knowing who they were and appreciating different traditions no matter what your faith was.
I have a thing about holiday films. No matter what I personally believe, I am a sap for Christmas movies. The more predictable and silly they are, the better. I have probably seen them all and continue to do so every December. I have many favorites that I must watch year after year. It is a tradition of sorts long after the flames of my Chanukah candles are burning low. One film, in particular, makes me laugh out loud no matter how many times I have watched it. It is a story of not only finding that Christmas spirit, but also a tale of connecting with a long-lost father while learning where you belong in this world. It is about finding that special sense of self-worth even if sugar, syrup, candy corn, and any other kind of candy are considered the basic four food groups. It is an incredible story of one very tall ELF who discovered he was really a human being.
In 2003 Jon Favreau (THETHE LION KING, IRON MAN) came up with the concept of ELF. It took him almost a decade to put it together and get studio backing. He was the director who guided this cinema delight to become a gigantic financial goldmine grossing over $230 million. He was meticulous and intentional every step of the way. He didn’t want CGI used in creating the height differences between man and ELF. Instead, he chose forced perspective as similarly seen in the THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Platforms, distance, and lighting made true believers of us all.
Will Ferrell (ANCHORMAN, WILL AND HARPER) as Buddy the adopted ELF was genius casting. His childlike energy and perspective of his world was engaging and entertaining. Even though at times he was over the top…it worked. He was sweet and kind to everyone. He was brimming over with Christmas cheer, and it was what made ELF so convincing. Ferrell is a consummate actor. He will do anything to get a laugh and get it right. It was considered a regular day of filming even when Ferrell combined maple syrup on a plate of spaghetti, or throwing together all sorts of sweets in one lump to gulp down, (and throwing up in-between the two takes) or running through the Lincoln Tunnel in golden tights, a velvet green jacket and hat, (causing multiple accidents from passing cars) or going up to total strangers on the streets of New York in traffic in order to get genuine reactions. Ferrell was fearless. He was bold, zany, and hilarious. He was the perfect over six foot tall, ELF.
JAMES CAAN (MISERY, THE GODFATHER) as his unknowing dad was the perfect foil for all of Ferrell’s shenanigans. The two of them didn’t get along at first. Caan used to say Ferrell wasn’t funny, and he was over-acting. Ferrell used to say Caan was too angry all the time, wasn’t acting, and was just playing himself. When Caan saw the success of this movie, he later changed his tune. They both pushed each other’s button and it helped the film, be more authentic and convincing.
One of my favorites in ELF has to be Bob Newhart. He was a great comedian who perfected the look of dead-pan delivery. No one can resist Newhart’s timing, pacing, and sad-sack eyes. He stole every scene without even trying. The image of Ferrell sitting on Newhart’s lap was hysterical every single time.
The ensemble was awesome. Edward Asner (UP, THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW) as Santa and Zooey Deschanel (NEW GIRL) as the quirky Jovie worked so well. Even though Asner was a crusty Santa at times, his persona had a twinkle and a loving, wise heart. Deschanel sang her way through ELF. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing as loud and long so everyone can hear.” Her three musical numbers including a duet with Ferrell (BABY ITS COLD OUTSIDE) gave the movie more creative layers. Her character grew and helped Ferrell be the ELF he was meant to be.
ELF is a Christmas classic that can be enjoyed by the entire family each year. It never gets old. It shares a lesson about the true meaning of Christmas while making audiences laugh out loud together. It didn’t overstay its welcome or pretend to be anything other than a wonderful, joyous experience. The cartoon characters in the beginning make the North Pole come alive. The elves are larger than life, adorable, and send good cheer to all. ELF is a confection-filled treat for people of any age. Enjoy. Happy Holidays dear readers. May the glow of Chanukah candles guide us all to a happy, healthy New Year.
ELF is streaming on HBO MAX.
