By Wayne Neill (December 9, 2003)

Will Ferrel has been redeemed in his newest role as a human raised as an elf. Past atrocities like the "Saturday Night Live" Spartan cheerleaders sketch and his obnoxious appearances in various award shows have been forgotten. His role in "Elf" gave it energy and slapstick and when coupled with a family-friendly story "Elf" is a borderline holiday classic.

Highly comparable to the National Lampoon films starring Chevy Chase, "Elf" has what it takes to grow on its viewers. With comedy inspired by everybody’s favorite 1950’s Christmas stop-go animation, which in itself is a reason to watch the movie, it sets a friendly tone that was lost somewhere around the times the 80’s ended. What? I’m 17? I don’t remember the 80’s? Yeah right, Ninja Turtles were awesome and bell-bottoms are still sexy. Ahem.

Although "Elf" is complete with conflicts that the characters have to resolve by the end of the story (including singing in public) I don’t feel I’ll screen it every year with my family like I do with "Nightmare Before Christmas." It’s a good watch, but you won’t have the urge to see it again and again like you did with "Home Alone."

The only thing I would go back to see are the stop-go animated Christmas creatures that wander around in a nostalgic manner. "Elf" would be a worthy movie for the family that likes to see Christmas films together.