Elf (film)#Video game

One Christmas Eve, a baby from an orphanage crawls into Santa Claus's sack when he sees a teddy bear and is unwittingly taken back to the North Pole. When the infant is discovered at Santa's workshop, the elves name him Buddy, after his diaper's brand label, and Papa Elf adopts him. Growing up, Buddy believes that he is an elf, but discovers in adulthood that he is a human. Papa Elf explains to Buddy that his birth parents are Walter Hobbs and Susan Wells, the latter putting him up for adoption before her death. Walter now works as a children's book publisher at the Empire State Building in New York City, unaware of Buddy's existence.

Buddy travels to New York and finds Walter at his workplace, but Walter mistakes him for a Christmas-gram messenger and has him ejected. Buddy visits a Gimbels department store and becomes infatuated with a disillusioned employee named Jovie. Hearing that Santa will visit the store the following day, Buddy redecorates the store overnight. However, after realizing that the store's Santa is simply a man in costume, Buddy exposes him and causes a brawl that the manager breaks up.

Walter reluctantly bails out Buddy from jail and takes him for a DNA test, which confirms that he is his son. The doctor suggests to Walter that he take Buddy home to meet his stepmother Emily and half-brother Michael. Walter and Michael are unnerved by Buddy's behavior, but Emily insists that they take care of him until he "recovers". Michael grows closer to Buddy after they defeat a gang of bullies in a snowball fight and helps Buddy to ask out Jovie on a date.

Meanwhile, Walter's publishing company is struggling after the failure of its latest book. Walter's boss, Fulton Greenway, expects him to have a new book ready by Christmas Eve. Walter and his associates secure a meeting with ghostwriter Miles Finch, but Buddy interrupts the meeting and unintentionally insults Finch, mistaking him for an elf because of his dwarfism. Finch attacks Buddy and leaves the meeting, causing Walter to lash out at Buddy. Heartbroken, Buddy writes an apology on an Etch A Sketch and leaves the Hobbses' apartment.

After finding the note, Michael rushes to Walter with news of Buddy's departure. Realizing his mistake, Walter quits his job and leaves with Michael to find Buddy. Meanwhile, Buddy sees Santa's sleigh crash in Central Park, drawing a large crowd. Santa explains that the sleigh has lost its engine, which is essential for flight due to a shortage of Christmas spirit.

Buddy finds the engine and reunites with Walter and Michael. Walter apologizes to Buddy for his outburst and finally accepts him as his son. After Buddy takes them to meet Santa, Michael takes Santa's list and reads it in front of news cameras gathered outside the park. Buddy tries to reattach the engine as Central Park Rangers pursue the sleigh. Jovie leads a reluctant Walter, the crowd and those watching on television in a rendition of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town", generating enough Christmas spirit to power the sleigh without the engine.

By next Christmas, Walter and Buddy have started their own independent publishing company, with their first bestseller being a children's book based on Buddy's adventures. Buddy has also married Jovie and brings their infant daughter Susie to visit Papa Elf.

{{Multiple image|perrow=2|total_width=300

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| footer = Will Ferrell (left) and James Caan play Buddy and Walter Hobbs respectively.

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{{Cast listing|

• Will Ferrell as Buddy Hobbs, an eccentric human who was raised by Santa's Christmas elves
• Max Favreau plays a young Buddy
• James Caan as Walter Hobbs, a cynical children's book publishing executive at Greenway Press and Buddy's biological father
• Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, an unenthusiastic Gimbels employee and Buddy's love interest
• Mary Steenburgen as Emily Hobbs, Walter's wife, Buddy's stepmother, and Michael's mother who encourages Walter to bond with Buddy
• Daniel Tay as Michael Hobbs, Walter and Emily's son and Buddy's younger paternal half-brother
• Ed Asner as Santa Claus, a Christmas figure who found an infant Buddy in one of his Christmas bags
• Bob Newhart as Papa Elf, an older Christmas elf who is Buddy's adoptive father and the film's narrator

}}

Faizon Love portrays Wanda, the manager of Gimbels and Jovie's boss. Peter Dinklage portrays short-statured children's book author Miles Finch. Amy Sedaris plays Walter's secretary Deb. Michael Lerner portrays Fulton Greenway, the head of Greenway Press who is Walter's controlling and uncaring boss. Andy Richter and Kyle Gass play Walter's colleagues Morris and Eugene, respectively.

Artie Lange plays the department store Santa with whom Buddy gets into a fight. Will Ferrell's brother Patrick appears with Patrick McCartney as a pair of Empire State Building security guards. Mark Acheson portrays the mailroom worker who shares his liquor with Buddy. Favreau makes a cameo appearance as Ben, Walter's family doctor who does a DNA test on Buddy. Lydia Lawson-Baird portrays Carolyn Reynolds, a little girl who Buddy meets in the waiting room who wants a "Suzy Talks-A-Lot" for Christmas. Claire Lautier plays NY1 reporter Charlotte Denon covering the crash in Central Park, and Matt Walsh appears alongside her as himself.

At the North Pole, David Paul Grove portrays the Christmas elf Pom Pom, on whom Buddy faints, Michael Roberds portrays a Christmas elf cobbler, and Richard Side plays a Christmas elf teacher. Producer Peter Billingsley is uncredited as head Christmas elf Ming Ming.{{cite web |title=8 things you never knew about the Christmas movie 'Elf' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/things-knew-christmas-movie-elf/story?id=51197336#:~:text=Favreau's%20hugely%20popular%20(yet%20unknown)%20cameo&text=Will%20Ferrell%20and%20Jon%20Favreau,'%22%20Favreau%20said%2C%20laughing. |website=ABC News |access-date=3 May 2024}}

Additionally, Leon Redbone voices Leon the Snowman, Ray Harryhausen voices a Polar bear cub, and Favreau is uncredited as the voice of Baby Walrus, Mr. Narwhal and the Arctic Puffin. Also uncredited are Maurice LaMarche for providing Buddy's extended belch, and Dallas McKennon, who provides the voice of the jack-in-the-boxes via archive audio of the hyena he voiced from Disney's Lady and the Tramp.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

David Berenbaum initially wrote the script in 1993, with Chris Farley and Jim Carrey being early candidates to play Buddy.{{cite episode|title=Elf|series=The Holiday Movies That Made Us|network=Netflix|date=1 December 2020|season=1|number=1}}{{cite web |title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Elf |url=https://thefw.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-elf/ |website=TheFW |date=December 16, 2013 |access-date=30 November 2019 |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221174940/https://thefw.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-elf/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last=Mullins|first=Jenna|title=NEWS/ 56 Facts You May Not Know About Your Favorite Holiday Films|date=December 18, 2014|work=E! News|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/607359/56-facts-you-may-not-know-about-your-favorite-holiday-films|access-date=June 17, 2015|archive-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190629083930/https://www.eonline.com/news/607359/56-facts-you-may-not-know-about-your-favorite-holiday-films|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Bradford |title=The Lost Roles of Jim Carrey |url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/03/the-lost-roles-of-jim-carrey.html |magazine=New York |date=17 March 2011 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=June 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603084824/https://www.vulture.com/2011/03/the-lost-roles-of-jim-carrey.html |url-status=live }} Berenbaum's screenplay underwent uncredited rewrites by Scot Armstrong,{{cite news |last=Falcon |first=Jesse |title=Old School's Scot Armstrong |url=http://www.cracked.com/article_15324_3Ci3Eold-schools3Ci3E-scot-armstrong.html |access-date=November 25, 2017 |work=Cracked |date=February 1, 2007 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043321/http://www.cracked.com/article_15324_3Ci3Eold-schools3Ci3E-scot-armstrong.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Fritz |first=Ben |title=Inside Move: Lack of Will power won't stop 'Elf' sequel |url=https://variety.com/2005/film/markets-festivals/inside-move-lack-of-will-power-won-t-stop-elf-sequel-1117924481/ |access-date=November 25, 2017 |work=Variety |date=June 14, 2005 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043118/http://variety.com/2005/film/markets-festivals/inside-move-lack-of-will-power-won-t-stop-elf-sequel-1117924481/ |url-status=live }} Chris Henchy{{cite news |last=Riley |first=Jenelle |title=Will Ferrell and Adam McKay Celebrate a Decade of Gary Sanchez Productions |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/features/will-ferrell-and-adam-mckay-gary-sanchez-productions-1201782344/ |access-date=November 25, 2017 |work=Variety |date=May 27, 2016 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043617/http://variety.com/2016/film/features/will-ferrell-and-adam-mckay-gary-sanchez-productions-1201782344/ |url-status=live }} and the writing team of Adam McKay and Will Ferrell.{{cite news|last1=O'Hara|first1=Helen|title=Adam McKay: laughing all the way to the bank|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/the-big-short/adam-mckay-interview/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/the-big-short/adam-mckay-interview/ |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=November 25, 2017|work=The Telegraph|date=January 17, 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|last1=Caro|first1=Mark|title='Anchorman 2': The Chicago roots of Adam McKay|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-adam-mckay-anchorman-2-interview-20131206-column.html|access-date=November 25, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044120/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-adam-mckay-anchorman-2-interview-20131206-column.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last=Weiner |first=Jonah |title=Anchor Management |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/anchor-management-20140228 |access-date=November 25, 2020 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=February 28, 2014 }} Garry Shandling was offered the role of Walter Hobbs but declined. Wanda Sykes was originally cast as the Gimbels manager Wanda but dropped out.{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2020/12/01/Holiday-Movies-explores-origins-of-Elf-Nightmare-Before-Christmas/8841606332291/|title='Holiday Movies' explores origins of 'Elf,' 'Nightmare Before Christmas'|work=United Press International|access-date=September 12, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001200403/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2020/12/01/Holiday-Movies-explores-origins-of-Elf-Nightmare-Before-Christmas/8841606332291/|url-status=live}} Terry Zwigoff was asked to direct the film, but he turned it down in favor of Bad Santa (2003).{{cite web|last=Sherlock|first=Ben|title=You Sit On A Throne Of Lies: 10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About Elf|date=August 4, 2020|website=Screen Rant|url=https://screenrant.com/elf-behind-scenes-facts-will-ferrell-christmas-movie/|accessdate=June 19, 2022|archive-date=June 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620024835/https://screenrant.com/elf-behind-scenes-facts-will-ferrell-christmas-movie/amp/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Udovitch |first=Mim |date=2003-11-30 |title=FILM; Terry Zwigoff's Santa: He's Making a List And Checking His Escape Routes Twice |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/30/movies/film-terry-zwigoff-s-santa-he-s-making-list-checking-his-escape-routes-twice.html |access-date=2023-11-28 |issn=0362-4331}}

According to Jon Favreau, the script was initially "much darker" and did not interest him, although he was interested in working with Ferrell's first post-SNL movie. Asked to rewrite it, a turning point came when he realized that he could make Buddy's world an homage to the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. This allowed him to conceive of a movie that could be rated PG, as opposed to the original script, which he guessed would have been rated PG-13.{{cite magazine |date=December 24, 2020 |last=Susman |first=Gary |title='Elf' at 10: Jon Favreau Reflects on Buddy's Magical Legacy |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/elf-at-10-jon-favreau-reflects-on-buddys-magical-legacy-187068/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=1 March 2021 }}

File:Jon Favreau-2007.jpg in 2007]]

Principal photography began on December 9, 2002, and wrapped on March 7, 2003.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o5pKDwAAQBAJ&q=elf+filming+2002&pg=PT319|title=Christmas in the Movies: 30 Classics to Celebrate the Season|last=Arnold|first=Jeremy|date=2018|publisher=Arnold|isbn=9780786486946 }} Filming took place in New York City, as well as in Vancouver and at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, British Columbia.{{cite web|url=http://hpzr.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=otherc&action=print&thread=2458|title=Explanation of the sound effect|website=proboards.com|access-date=October 9, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715114901/http://hpzr.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=otherc&action=print&thread=2458|archive-date=July 15, 2011}}

The film makes heavy use of forced perspective to exaggerate the size of Buddy compared to all the other elves. Stop motion animation was employed for certain sequences. CGI usage was kept to a minimum due to Favreau's own preference, something for which he later noted that he "had to fight very hard".

Will Ferrell said in interviews that he suffered ill effects after eating too much sugar for the film.{{Cite web |date=2016-08-30 |title=Elf Movie - Will Ferrell Interview |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/will-ferrell-finds-his-inner-elf-2419270 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014130359/https://www.thoughtco.com/will-ferrell-finds-his-inner-elf-2419270 |archive-date=2017-10-14 |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=thoughtco.com}}

Zooey Deschanel's singing was not in the original script, and Favreau added it when he learned that she was a singer. Ferrell improvised several moments in the film, including the scene in which Buddy starts singing in the middle of Santaland at Gimbels,{{Cite AV media |url=https://vimeo.com/33059001 |title=Will Ferrell in 'Elf" Interview |via=Vimeo |access-date=April 21, 2016 }} and the scene in which Buddy screams out "Santa!" when Gimbels' manager, Wanda, announces that Santa is coming to the store.{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Mandi |date=2020-11-18 |title='Elf' Star Will Ferrell Improvised 1 of Buddy's Most Memorable Lines |url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/elf-star-will-ferrell-improvised-1-of-buddys-most-memorable-lines.html/ |access-date=2023-11-27 |website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet |language=en-US}}

Apart from snow, most of the computer-generated imagery (CGI) in the film was created by Rhythm & Hues Studios.{{cite news |first=Stephanie |last=Snipes |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/07/sprj.caf03.making.elf/index.html |title=How to create an 'Elf' |date=November 7, 2003 |access-date=December 25, 2020 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901123724/http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/07/sprj.caf03.making.elf/index.html |url-status=live }} Buddy's belch after drinking a two-liter bottle of Coca-Cola was dubbed by voice actor Maurice LaMarche.{{cite web|url=http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/www.talkradiomeltdown.com/podcasts/4-26-11.mp3|title= Maurice LaMarche interview on Talk Radio Meltdown - Explanation of Buddy the Elf's belch at 21:52|publisher=Talk Radio Meltdown|access-date=May 27, 2011}}

The soundtrack was released on New Line Records in November 2003 in the United States,{{cite web|title=Elf: Music From The Major Motion Picture|website=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.com/Elf-Music-Major-Motion-Picture/dp/B0000DIZT4|access-date=December 26, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923045332/https://www.amazon.com/Elf-Music-Major-Motion-Picture/dp/B0000DIZT4|url-status=live}} and in October 2005 in the United Kingdom, including its signature song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Deschanel and Leon Redbone, which was released as a single.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000BBGBII|title=Elf Original Soundtrack|website=Amazon UK |access-date=January 1, 2010|archive-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116221121/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000BBGBII|url-status=live}} It was certified Gold by the RIAA in April 2011.{{cite certification|region=United States|title=Elf: Music from the Major Motion Picture|access-date=December 7, 2014}} Having sold 695,000 copies in the United States, it is the second-highest-selling soundtrack album for a Christmas-themed film since Nielsen SoundScan started tracking music sales in 1991, behind only The Polar Express.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-200-chart-moves-guardians-on-cassette-cashes-in/|title=Billboard 200 Chart Moves: 'Guardians' on Cassette Cashes In |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |magazine=Billboard |date=December 6, 2014 |access-date=November 23, 2021}}

1. "Pennies from Heaven" – Louis Prima
2. "Sleigh Ride" – Ella Fitzgerald and the Frank De Vol Orchestra
3. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" – Lena Horne
4. "Sleigh Ride/Santa Claus' Party" – Ferrante & Teicher/Les Baxter
5. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" – Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel
6. "Jingle Bells" – Jim Reeves
7. "The Nutcracker Suite" – Brian Setzer Orchestra
8. "Christmas Island" – Leon Redbone
9. "Santa Baby" – Eartha Kitt and the Henri René Orchestra
10. "Winter Wonderland" – Ray Charles
11. "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" – Eddy Arnold
12. "Nothing from Nothing" – Billy Preston

The score to the film, composed and conducted by John Debney and performed by the Hollywood Studio Symphony, was released by Varèse Sarabande.{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodstudiosymphony.com/cd2.asp?ID=55|title=Hollywood Studio Symphony|website=Hollywoodstudiosymphony.com|access-date=January 1, 2010|archive-date=February 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211000605/http://hollywoodstudiosymphony.com/cd2.asp?ID=55|url-status=live}}

The film was released on DVD and VHS on November 16, 2004, and on Blu-ray on October 28, 2008. The film was subsequently released on 4K Blu-ray on November 1, 2022.{{Citation |title=Elf 4K Blu-ray (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD) |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Elf-4K-Blu-ray/322869/ |access-date=2022-11-08 |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108102135/https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Elf-4K-Blu-ray/322869/ |url-status=live }} It is also available for the PlayStation Portable with Universal Media Disc.

Elf grossed $178 million in the United States and Canada, and $50.4 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $228.9 million, against a production budget of $33 million.

The film opened at number two at the box office in the United States with $31.1 million, finishing behind The Matrix Revolutions, also in its first week.{{cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2003-11-12-0311110289-story.html|title=AT THE BOX OFFICE|date=November 12, 2003|access-date=November 22, 2022|archive-date=November 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122170431/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2003-11-12-0311110289-story.html|url-status=live}} It topped the box office in its second week of release, beating out Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and earning $26.3 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-nov-17-et-lowe17-story.html|title='Elf' a giant at the box office|website=Los Angeles Times|date=November 17, 2003|access-date=October 13, 2022|archive-date=October 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013165723/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-nov-17-et-lowe17-story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title= Elf beats Crowe at US box office |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3275911.stm |work= BBC News |publisher= BBC |date= November 16, 2003 |access-date= December 24, 2011 |archive-date= July 1, 2004 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040701160647/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3275911.stm |url-status= live }} Additionally, Elf went on to compete against another family-oriented film, Brother Bear.{{cite news|last=Holson|first=Laura|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/10/business/media/10matrix.html|title=An Elf and a Bear Trip Up the Final 'Matrix'|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 10, 2003|access-date=July 6, 2015|archive-date=July 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709154702/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/10/business/media/10matrix.html|url-status=live}} In the United Kingdom, it opened in second place, behind Love Actually.{{Cite news |title= Historical Box Office 28th November 2003 |url= https://www.saltypopcorn.co.uk/charts/box-office.php?chart=20031128|work= saltypopcorn.co.uk|publisher= Salty Popcorn|date= November 28, 2003 |access-date= December 18, 2023}} The 2018, 2019 and 2020 reissues earned $442,000, $786,000 and $2 million, respectively.

On Rotten Tomatoes, Elf holds an approval rating of {{RT data|score}}, based on 203 reviews, and an average rating of {{RT data|average}}. The website's critical consensus reads: "A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers."{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/elf|title=Elf (2003)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Fandango|access-date={{RT data|access date}}|archive-date=December 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212075743/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/elf/|url-status=live}}{{RT data|edit}} On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 66 out of 100, based on 39 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/elf|title=Elf reviews|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=December 23, 2023|archive-date=December 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216130439/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/elf/|url-status=live}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on a scale of A+ to F.{{cite web |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |title= Cinemascore |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= December 20, 2018 |access-date= July 24, 2019 }}

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave it three stars out of four, calling it "one of those rare Christmas comedies that has a heart, a brain, and a wicked sense of humor, and it charms the socks right off the mantelpiece".{{cite web |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |url=http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/elf-2003 |title=Elf Movie Review & Film Summary (2003) |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=November 7, 2003 |access-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222055528/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/elf-2003 |url-status=live }}

Writing for Rolling Stone, Peter Travers gave the film two stars out of four, saying, "Ferrell makes the damn thing work. Even though he can't get naked or use naughty words, there's a devil of comedy in Ferrell, and he lets it out to play. Director Jon Favreau has the good sense to just stand out of his way."{{cite magazine |last=Travers |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Travers|title='Elf' review|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/elf-20031107 |magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 7, 2003|access-date=December 3, 2017}}

The Hollywood Reporter gave the film a positive review, saying, "While the words 'instant holiday classic' might be pushing it, Elf is at the very least a breezily entertaining, perfectly cast family treat."{{cite web |title='Elf': THR's 2003 Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/elf-film-review-2003-851030 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=December 24, 2015 |access-date=April 30, 2020 |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406151326/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/elf-film-review-2003-851030 |url-status=live }}

A. O. Scott of The New York Times also gave the film a positive review, saying, "Elf is a charming, silly family Christmas movie more likely to spread real joy than migraine, indigestion and sugar shock. The movie succeeds because it at once restrains its sticky, gooey good cheer and wildly overdoes it."{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=A. O. |author-link=A. O. Scott |date=2003-11-07|title=Film Review; For One Lad, Pointy Shoes Turn Out to Be Hard to Fill |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/07/movies/film-review-for-one-lad-pointy-shoes-turn-out-to-be-hard-to-fill.html|access-date=2020-07-04|issn=0362-4331}}

Anna Smith of Empire magazine gave the film a three stars out of five, and said, "Ferrell's man-child invites sympathy and sniggers, making this amusing despite some flimsy plotting. Sight gags and a Santa-centered story should keep the kids happy too."{{Cite web |first=Anna |last=Smith |date=2000-01-01 |title=Elf |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/elf-review/ |access-date=2020-07-04 |website=Empire |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212173358/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/elf-review/ |url-status=live }}

Plugged In gave the film a positive review, writing, "The elf-reared Buddy has a heart as big as the arctic north. Does his movie match it?"{{Cite web |title=Elf |url=https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/elf/ |access-date=2020-07-04 |website=Plugged In |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730233219/https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/elf/ |url-status=live }}

Elf is often ranked among the greatest Christmas films,{{cite web|url=http://heavy.com/social/2015/12/christmas-movies-holiday-films-top-ten-best-rankings-list-netflix-watch-all-time-xmas-elf-its-a-wonderful-life/10/|title=Christmas Movie Rankings: 10 Best Christmas Movies|work=Heavy.com|access-date=April 4, 2016|archive-date=April 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421173041/http://heavy.com/social/2015/12/christmas-movies-holiday-films-top-ten-best-rankings-list-netflix-watch-all-time-xmas-elf-its-a-wonderful-life/10/|url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/24/christmas-movies-family-17-holiday_n_2332363.html | work=HuffPost | title=17 Favorite Christmas Movies | date=December 24, 2012 | access-date=April 4, 2016 | archive-date=February 6, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206212602/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/24/christmas-movies-family-17-holiday_n_2332363.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/best-christmas-movies-including-home-alone-scrooged-muppet-christmas-carol|title=Best Christmas Movies including Home Alone, Scrooged, Muppet Christmas Carol|first=Dave|last=Infante|date=December 18, 2015|work=thrillist|access-date=April 4, 2016|archive-date=July 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710233910/https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/best-christmas-movies-including-home-alone-scrooged-muppet-christmas-carol|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=December 9, 2014 |first=Gregory |last=Wakeman |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/new/10-Greatest-Christmas-Movies-All-Time-According-British-People-68585.html |title=The 10 Greatest Christmas Movies Of All-Time, According To British People |work=Cinemablend.com |access-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-date=June 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601234405/http://www.cinemablend.com/new/10-Greatest-Christmas-Movies-All-Time-According-British-People-68585.html |url-status=live }} and airs on television mostly during the holiday season. In 2017, Fandango users rated Elf as the best Christmas film of the 21st century.{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/elf-best-christmas-movie-21st-century/|title=Elf Is the Top Christmas Movie of the 21st Century|date=December 22, 2017|website=Movieweb.com|access-date=December 26, 2017|archive-date=December 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226131037/https://movieweb.com/elf-best-christmas-movie-21st-century/|url-status=live}}

{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|

• Digital Spy – #3{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Simon|title=Muppet Christmas Carol tops Digital Spy favourite Christmas film poll|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a356141/muppet-christmas-carol-tops-digital-spy-favourite-christmas-film-poll/|work=Digital Spy|date=December 19, 2011|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023032737/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a356141/muppet-christmas-carol-tops-digital-spy-favourite-christmas-film-poll/|url-status=live}}
• Total Film – #3{{cite web|title=50 Best Christmas Movies|url=http://www.totalfilm.com/features/50-best-christmas-movies/elf-2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227154643/http://www.totalfilm.com/features/50-best-christmas-movies/elf-2003|archive-date=February 27, 2014|website=Totalfilm.com}}
• Entertainment Weekly – #4{{cite magazine|last=Nashawaty|first=Chris|date=December 26, 2011|title=These are the top 20 Christmas movies ever

|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://ew.com/movies/20-top-christmas-movies-ever/#20889033|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218134042/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20317203_20449281_20889033,00.html|archive-date=December 18, 2010}}

• San Francisco Chronicle – #4{{cite news|title=Today's Special: Best Christmas Movies of All Time (Updated!)|newspaper=The San Francisco Chronicle|url=https://blog.sfgate.com/thebigevent/2011/12/22/todays-special-best-christmas-movies-of-all-time/#photo-34142|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=February 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208061426/https://blog.sfgate.com/thebigevent/2011/12/22/todays-special-best-christmas-movies-of-all-time/#photo-34142|url-status=live}}
• The Guardian – #4{{cite web|title=It's a Wonderful Life tops favourite Christmas film poll|date=November 29, 2011|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/nov/29/christmas-favourite-film-poll-wonderful|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 11, 2016|archive-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217143938/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/nov/29/christmas-favourite-film-poll-wonderful|url-status=live}}
• GamesRadar+ - #5{{cite web |author1=Staff |title=The 35 best Christmas movies of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-christmas-movies/ |website=gamesradar |access-date=November 23, 2021 |date=December 23, 2020 |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123062210/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-christmas-movies/ |url-status=live }}
• The Hollywood Reporter – #6{{cite news|title=Ho Ho Hollywood! Tinseltown's 30 Best Christmas-Themed Movies|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/best-christmas-movies-grinch-rudolph-395660#6-elf|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first1=Aaron|last1=Couch|first2=Kimberly|last2=Nordyke|first3=Rebecca|last3=Ford|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-date=February 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206234656/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/best-christmas-movies-grinch-rudolph-395660#6-elf|url-status=live}}
• Forbes – #7{{cite news|title=Top Ten Best Christmas Movies Of All Time|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2011/12/14/top-ten-best-christmas-movies-of-all-time/?sh=7a0cbf8e5c60|first=Mark|last=Hughes|website=Forbes|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123062206/https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2011/12/14/top-ten-best-christmas-movies-of-all-time/?sh=7a0cbf8e5c60|url-status=live}}
• Newsday – #7{{cite web|title=A Christmas Story Voted Greatest Holiday Movie of All Time

|url=http://www.newsday.com/business/press-releases/a-christmas-story-voted-greatest-holiday-movie-of-all-time-1.6567718|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304220910/http://www.newsday.com/business/press-releases/a-christmas-story-voted-greatest-holiday-movie-of-all-time-1.6567718|archive-date=March 4, 2016|website=Newsday}}

• about.com – #9{{Cite news|title=Top 10 Christmas Movies|work=About.com|url=http://movies.about.com/od/dvds/tp/Best-Christmas-Movies.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=December 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821054329/http://movies.about.com/od/dvds/tp/Best-Christmas-Movies.htm|archive-date=August 21, 2014}}
• Empire – #11{{Cite news|date=December 2010|title=The 30 Best Christmas Movies Ever|website=Empire|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/empire-30-best-christmas-movies/|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420105334/http://www.empireonline.com/features/30-best-christmas-movies/p29|archive-date=April 20, 2015}}
• Chicago Tribune – #17{{cite news|title=Chicago tribune #17 elf greatest christmas film of all time|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-zap-photogallery-top25christmasmovies,0,3752252.photogallery|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-date=December 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224094640/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-zap-photogallery-top25christmasmovies,0,3752252.photogallery|url-status=live}}
• New York Daily News – #23{{Cite news|date=December 21, 2011|title=Merry Christmas! The best Christmas movies ever|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/merry-christmas-best-christmas-movies-gallery-1.10716|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102070754/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/merry-christmas-best-christmas-movies-gallery-1.10716|archive-date=January 2, 2012}}}}

{{Anchor|Stage musical}}

{{main|Elf (musical)}}

A Broadway musical based on the film ran on Broadway during the 2010 Christmas season. It was directed by Casey Nicholaw, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan.

The musical officially opened at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on November 10, 2010, after previews from November 2, 2010. The cast included Sebastian Arcelus as Buddy, Amy Spanger as Jovie, Beth Leavel as Emily, Mark Jacoby as Walter, Matthew Gumley as Michael, Valerie Wright as Deb, Michael McCormick as Mr. Greenway, Michael Mandell as Store Manager and George Wendt as Santa. It ran through January 2, 2011.Hetrick, Adam.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141993-Beth-Leavel-Mark-Jacoby-and-George-Wendt-to-Star-in-Elf-The-Musical-on-Broadway "Beth Leavel, Mark Jacoby and George Wendt to Star in Elf – The Musical on Broadway"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815122901/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141993-Beth-Leavel-Mark-Jacoby-and-George-Wendt-to-Star-in-Elf-The-Musical-on-Broadway |date=August 15, 2010 }} playbill.com, August 11, 2010

{{main|Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas}}

Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas is an hour-long stop-motion animated musical television special based on the film and the musical. While Edward Asner is the only cast member from the film to reprise his role, the rest of the cast includes Jim Parsons as Buddy, Mark Hamill as Walter Hobbs, Kate Micucci as Jovie, Rachael MacFarlane as Emily Hobbs, Max Charles as Michael Hobbs and Gilbert Gottfried as Mr. Greenway. It is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and first aired on NBC on December 16, 2014. It features songs from the musical.

A video game based on the film was released on November 4, 2004, for the Game Boy Advance, developed by Jolliford Management Limited{{Cite web |title=Elf: The Movie (2004) |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/45230/elf-the-movie/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=MobyGames |language=en}} and published by Crave Entertainment.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/elf-the-movie/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Elf: The Movie|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=May 31, 2019|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628045409/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/elf-the-movie|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/gaming/crave-brings-elf-to-gba-for-the-holidays/|title=Crave Brings Elf to GBA for the Holidays|first=Ryan|last=Ball|date=September 23, 2004|website=Animation Magazine|access-date=May 31, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513043633/https://www.animationmagazine.net/gaming/crave-brings-elf-to-gba-for-the-holidays/|url-status=live}} The game cover reads "Elf the Movie," yet Crave Entertainment listed it on their website as "Elf."{{Cite web |date=2010-07-15 |title=Crave Entertainment {{!}} Games for Game Boy®Advance |url=http://www.cravegames.com/Games/GBA.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715145241/http://www.cravegames.com/Games/GBA.asp |archive-date=2010-07-15 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=cravegames.com}} The game follows the same plot as the movie. In the majority of the levels, the player has to collect candies throughout each level while avoiding various objects and polar bears. Several levels consist of minigames, such as flying Santa's sleigh or engaging in a snowball fight.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} The game received generally negative reviews.

On September 18, 2013, Mental Floss reported that Favreau was interested in making a sequel to the film, titled Elf 2: Buddy Saves Christmas.{{cite web |title=55 Unfortunately Unfinished Films |date=September 18, 2013 |url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/52785/55-unfortunately-unfinished-films |website=MentalFloss |access-date=January 13, 2018 |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208174936/http://mentalfloss.com/article/52785/55-unfortunately-unfinished-films |url-status=live }} In December, Ferrell stated that he did not want to make a sequel.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/will-ferrell-will-absolutely-not-make-elf-2-20131220|title=Will Ferrell Says 'Bah Humbug' to 'Elf 2'|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=January 13, 2018|archive-date=December 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208174908/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/will-ferrell-will-absolutely-not-make-elf-2-20131220|url-status=dead}} In January 2016, Favreau stated that a sequel was still possible.{{cite web |url=http://orlando-parfitt.tumblr.com/post/142799073508/elf-2-could-happen-says-jon-favreau-exclusive |title=Elf 2 Could Happen Says Jon Favreau (Exclusive) |website=Orlando-parfitt.tumblr.com |access-date=January 13, 2018 |archive-date=January 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123233717/http://orlando-parfitt.tumblr.com/post/142799073508/elf-2-could-happen-says-jon-favreau-exclusive |url-status=live }} The next month, Ferrell reiterated that a sequel was unlikely and stated that he was generally reluctant to do sequels unless there was a story that justifies it.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/11/why-will-ferrell-wont-make-elf-2 |title=Why Will Ferrell Won't Make Elf 2 |first=Chris |last=Tilly |date=February 11, 2016 |website=IGN.com |access-date=January 13, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114024320/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/11/why-will-ferrell-wont-make-elf-2 |url-status=live }} On September 18, 2020, Caan affirmed that the possibility of a sequel was unlikely, stating that Ferrell and Favreau did not get along.{{cite web|title=James Caan Says There's No 'Elf 2' Because Will Ferrell and Jon Favreau 'Didn't Get Along'|date=September 18, 2020|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/james-caan-says-no-elf-010033192.html|website=Yahoo! Entertainment|access-date=September 19, 2020|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919050000/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/james-caan-says-no-elf-010033192.html|url-status=live}}

• List of Christmas films
• Santa Claus in film

{{Reflist}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• [https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/elf/ Official Warner Bros. Site]
• {{IMDb title}}
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• {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{Jon Favreau}}

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