Elf MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +4 Content: +2

A baby orphan named Buddy makes his way into Santas bag of toys one Christmas eve without Santas knowledge and is carried off to the North Pole. He is raised by Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) and spends his days in Santas workshop. As he grows much larger than his elf family, it becomes clear that he doesnt fit in, so Santa (Ed Asner) sends him to New York City to find his family. Buddy (Will Ferrell), in his green elf suit, soon learns that life in New York is not all fun and games. He finds his grumpy family: his biological father (James Caan) who is on Santas naughty list, his new mother (Mary Steenburgen), and his 10-year-old half brother (Daniel Tay) who doesnt believe in Santa or elves. The whole city of New York appears to have lost its Christmas spirit, so Buddy decides to save Christmas and win over his family. Along the way, he falls in love with Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), a department store elf.

Christmas has come early this year with this wonderful holiday movie. The candy cane forests at the North Pole and the holiday displays in the department store set the jolly tone. Hats off to director Jon Favreau and the talented cast including Ed Asner who plays a delightful Santa and Bob Newhart as Papa Elf with his familiar and beloved poker face. But its Will Ferrell who makes this movie a Christmas hit. He is charming and pulls off the part in his green tights and pointed hat. As he goes from the innocence of the North Pole to the real world of New York City, Ferrell shows his versatility as an actor. Elf is generally clean, but there are a handful of objectionable elements that parents should be aware of: flatulence sounds, a girl in a shower and a few instances of bad language. Elf will leave everyone, both children and their parents, laughing and ready for the arrival of Christmas.

Preview Reviewer: Lynn Nusser
Distributor: New Line Cinema