Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Jan 17, 2026

Director Jon Favreau may not have comic grace, but his direction is both sweet and funny. He never lets Ferrell play the victim... while Ferrell (in his first leading role) peppers every scene with manic outbursts and joyous exclamations.

Go to Full Review

Alan French Sunshine State Cineplex Dec 15, 2025 9/10

For as much fun as Ferrell is having in every frame, director Jon Favreau builds a beautiful world around him. The two seemingly called in every favor to fill out the cast, and the wildly deep ensemble helps give the movie some extra heft.

Go to Full Review

Justin Brown Medium Popcorn Dec 10, 2025 2/5

This is one of those films that tries really hard to be family friendly but there's some real darkness here. Additionally, I found a lot of Buddy's behavior really annoying.

Go to Full Review

Brandon Collins Medium Popcorn Dec 10, 2025 2/5

A few of the jokes in this film are really funny but ultimately I really don't understand why people love this movie so much. Buddy is a truly unhinged character and not in a fun way.

Go to Full Review

Radheyan Simonpillai CBC Radio Dec 11, 2023

Elf's hopeful and uplifting response to post-9/11 cynicism is gentle, right up to a climax where the world is huddled around their television sets watching news reports trying to figure out what's that thing that crashed in New York City.

Go to Full Review

Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Dec 1, 2023 4/5

It’s not just the lines, written by David Berenbaum, that work... It’s Ferrell’s bullish commitment to the concept that holds the Jon Favreau-directed film together.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Feb 15, 2023 2.5/4

Elf isn’t a pre-fabricated piece of synthetic Christmas cheer like such junk as Deck the Halls, Jingle All the Way or the worst-of-the-worst Christmas With the Kranks.

Go to Full Review

Christopher Lloyd The Film Yap Jan 23, 2023 4.5

Just not in time for the holidays, a recent revisit with the surprise Christmas classic earns a smidgen more love from our resident crusty curmudgeon.

Go to Full Review

Kevin Fallon The Daily Beast Dec 5, 2022

Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Peter Dinklage, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, and, most surprisingly, James Caan nailing their supporting turns. Sometimes at Christmas, you just want to laugh.

Go to Full Review

Carson Timar ButteredPopcorn Aug 28, 2022 A-

Elf stands tall with the feature being as funny today as it was in 2003.

Go to Full Review

Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Aug 20, 2022 4/5

“Elf” is utterly absurd and unashamedly silly and I say that as a compliment. Even if you aren’t a Will Ferrell fan, he’s an absolute blast in this fun and festive holiday treat.

Go to Full Review

Fico Cangiano CineXpress Podcast Dec 24, 2021 3/5

A sugarcoated, light hearted, funny Christmas romp.

Go to Full Review

PJ Nabarro Patrick Nabarro Jan 8, 2021 3/5

Classic family Christmas fodder: the gorgeous candyfloss colour schemes and New York in all its resplendent wintry beauty help the film pass effortlessly by too.

Go to Full Review

Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Sep 7, 2020 3.5/4.0

Captures the spirit that I long to have during the holiday season.

Go to Full Review

Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Nov 6, 2019

Simplicity. Goodness. Sugar-coated. Nostalgic. Maybe a little hokey at times. Endearing. Enchanting. Go celebrate Christmas a little early with Elf -- a new Christmas classic for the 21st century.

Go to Full Review

Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) May 9, 2019 A-

It's a really fun holiday film.

Go to Full Review

Kristy Strouse Film Inquiry Dec 11, 2018

There are few cinematic ventures that capture the Christmas spirit in such abundance and hit the Holiday target so directly on the nose.

Go to Full Review

Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Nov 27, 2018

Will Ferrell's over-the-top performance in Elf is one of the reasons why the comedy has managed to stand the test of time.

Go to Full Review

Joel Siegel Good Morning America Nov 30, 2015 B+

Families have discovered how funny and how well this little film tells its King-sized holiday message: the only size that counts is how big your heart is.

Go to Full Review

Neil Norman London Evening Standard Dec 14, 2014

While his plotting may leave a little to be desired, Favreau directs with speed, humour and efficiency.

Go to Full Review