- Film Review
- Reviewed By Jason Caro
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3 out of 5
Director Jon Favreau's sweet seasonal comedy relies entirely on the talents of Will Ferrell, who plays Buddy, a fully grown adult raised from a baby by Santa's little helpers. Now too clumsy and outsized - by elf standards - to assist with present creation and testing, Buddy discovers the existence of his birth father (James Caan in full-bore Scrooge mode) and heads for New York. Despite modern effects trickery that has created pint-sized toymakers and flying reindeer, this strives for the feel of vintage Disney through twee settings and storybook narration from Buddy's surrogate dad, Bob Newhart. Dressed in a snug green outfit throughout and dispensing decorations, sugary snacks and a beaming grin, Ferrell is the life and soul of an otherwise unexceptional Christmas celebration.
Plot Summary
Seasonal comedy fantasy starring Will Ferrell and James Caan. Raised by Santa's helpers at the North Pole, human infant Buddy matures into a strapping adult and outgrows his cramped surroundings. His resultant determination to find his real father, Walter, sends Buddy on an exciting trip to New York.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Buddy
- Will Ferrell
- Walter
- James Caan
- Papa Elf
- Bob Newhart
- Santa
- Edward Asner
- Emily
- Mary Steenburgen
- Jovie
- Zooey Deschanel
- Michael
- Daniel Tay
- Fulton
- Michael Lerner
- Miles Finch
- Peter Dinklage
- Doctor
- Jon Favreau
- Polar bear cub
- Ray Harryhausen
- Leon the Snowman
- Leon Redbone
Crew
- Director
- Jon Favreau
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