The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
So is the credence of Jon Favreaus bizarrely delightful ELF.
And its largely all thanks to the song in Will Ferrells oversized heart.
When ELF hit holiday screens, Ferrell was still on the cusp of stardom.
As it turns out, its that very earnest, do-anything-to-hey-you attitude that makes ELF so special.
Buddy is a lonely Elf.
ELF is truly a magical movie.
Favreau was apparently having none of that.
By lovingly satirizing many of the seasonal traditions, he also openly embraces them.
We as viewers both laugh and become giddy when Buddy waves goodbye to the North Pole Christmas Whale.
Its funny and odd, but its all done with the very best of Christmas intentions.
Jovie can forgive Buddy for his elfish ways because we already have.
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However, the movies main gift will always remain Ferrells unique creation.
Ferrells Buddy is none of those things.
His sweet naivete is contagious and can draw in any viewer.
The neat trick about that though is were not laughing AT him.
Buddys joyousness is something we want to aspire to rather than look down on.
That is what truly makes the movie sing.
ELF turned out to be a big breakthrough for Ferrells career.
It helped pave the way to ANCHORMAN, which made him a bona fide movie star the following year.
Unfortunately, it doesnt quite match the strange quality of Ferrells Buddy and Favreaus tone.
That fuzzy feeling remains in what has become one of the best holiday movies ever made.
