I was surprised to see Jon Favreau's name as director of the kid's Christmas comedy Elf--the man behind Swingers didn't seem right for this project. In fact, he makes a good job of it, crafting a perfectly lovely Christmas film that stands head and shoulders above other recent children's films. After a slightly rushed opening, Will Ferrell's demented, child-like elf Buddy goes to New York to find his father (James Caan). As usual with these types of films, the most fun is had in the laugh-centred first half. Ferrell makes great use of Buddy, and all of his 'fish-out-of-water' sequences provide several laughs. The great Zooey Deschanel is a cut above most love interests in these kinds of films, and Caan mugs for the screen just enough to be entertaining. Elf drags at the end, with the needless introduction of some pointless villains and, of course, the final moral message to wrap it all up nicely. Still, Elf is perfect cheery entertainment in these depressing times.
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