The best family movie bet this weekend looks like "Elf". Saturday Night Live alum Will Ferrell stars as an elf in a very large human’s body, who seems completely oblivious to the fact that he’s a lot taller than all the other elves in Santa’s workshop. Santa, played by Ed Asner, is reminiscent of Asner's most famous character, Lou Grant in his happier moments. In another perfect casting touch, TV icon Bob Newhart steps in as papa elf. What begins as a Christmas movie turns into a buddy film, when “the Elf” sets out for New York on foot to search for his real Dad, played by James Caan. Overall, there’s just enough borderline humor to keep Elf from becoming another sappy Christmas release, but like most movies spun off from SNL skits, it plays a little thin in spots. That said, this movie is adorable. It's the first time, in a long time, I can remember an audience cheering at the end of a movie.
Next up this month, "Bad Santa" starring Billy Bob Thornton in the role of the bearded one. It seems the studio is having problems with a release date on this one. Stay tuned...
Posted by Tush at November 6, 2003 09:33 AM