Elf-A Christmas Comedy

The popularity of the "Elf on the Shelf" holiday activities for little kids brings me back to one my kids favorite Christmas movie, ELF starring Will Farrell.

I love Christmas Movies and this 2003 movie came out at a perfect time when my daughter was eight and my oldest fourteen and he still wanted his little sister to believe in Santa.

The story line revolves around one of Santa's elves, played by Will Ferrell who just happens to be 6'3" and sticks out from the other elves in the workshop.

Papa Elf, played by Bob Newhart (who is good in everything he does) explains to Buddy how he came to the North Pole and that he's not his real father, but his adopted father. So innocent Buddy journeys to New York City to find his biological father, expecting to be welcomed with open arms.

Let's just say it doesn't quite work out the way he expects.

Here is where the comedy begins. Will Ferrell, in only a way he can portray, leads Buddy the Elf through a series of adventures in New York City to not only find his father, but to convince him that he is his father and show him the meaning of Christmas.

What would be a movie without memorable quotes, and like Princess Bride this one is full of them.

Buddy Quotes

"This place reminds me of Santa's workshop. Except it smells like mushrooms and everyone looks like me"

"Ow! Son of a nutcraker!"

"Sounds like someone needs to sing a Christmas carol"

"SANTA, OMG I know him"

I just like to smile! Smiling's my favorite.

We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.

You smell like beef and cheese, you don't smell like Santa.

It's just nice to meet another human that shares my affinity for elf culture.

You know director Jon Favreau had a goal of creating a Christmas movie classic when he cast the following five Hollywood A list actors in the major roles. Over the years Elf has been selected as one of the best holiday and Christmas films by New York Daily News won many awards including the Teen Choice Award, and a Golden Satellite award as Best Youth DVD.

Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf

Edward Asner as Santa

Bob Newhart as Papa Elf (he's perfect in this role)

Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, Buddy's wanna be girlfriend

James Caan as Walter, Buddy's biological father

I am a sucker for classic Christmas movies and I have favorite classics I watch every year no matter if my kids are around or not. I like both Grinch movies, both the animated version and the live action with Jim Carey.

Since my kids are all grown now I think they get a kick out of watching them just as much as I do though. Some weekends I just get in my jamies with hot chocolate and have a movie marathon.

I have all of these and often can't wait until Thanksgiving to start watching, but I restrain myself and celebrate Christmas with gusto for just the month before December 25th.

Official Trailers and Scenes from the Movie Elf

Still not convinced Elf will be a great family tradition for the Holiday Season? Find the official Elf movie trailers below along with a few of the classic scenes. Even if you have the movie you may find yourself laughing at Will Ferrell playing the innocent childlike 6 foot tall elf.

The making of Elf the Movie, part one...I always like to see the behind the scenes making of "How did they do that"

One of the official trailers for Elf the Movie

Funniest moments in Elf starring Will Ferrel, cracks me up.