If you are looking for a family-friendly Christmas film, consider this made-for-television movie about an elf who goes on a mission for Santa. The story is fairly predictable, but its joyful message delivers the best spirit of Christmas in an entertaining package.
The best aspects of the film are the performances of a strong cast. Summer Glau plays the elf, Christine, who Santa chooses to leave the Pole for a noble undertaking. It is Glau who brought me to this film, and she does not disappoint. After watching her performance, it is difficult to imagine another actor embodying the sunny essence of Christmas so well. Will Ferrell gave a solid performance in "Elf", but his Buddy was over the top; Glau, on the other hand, feels genuinely elfish in the Santa's helper kind of way, exuding goodness born of naivete and optimism.
Other performances worth mentioning are Eva LaRue's portrayal of Sara VanCamp, a mother who has lost sight of the important things in life, and Izabela Vidovic who plays the daughter, Ally, with intelligence and nuance. Finally, Steve Larkin plays Santa with an understated benevolence that pairs perfectly with Glau's big-hearted Christine.
This is a film worth watching every year.
The best aspects of the film are the performances of a strong cast. Summer Glau plays the elf, Christine, who Santa chooses to leave the Pole for a noble undertaking. It is Glau who brought me to this film, and she does not disappoint. After watching her performance, it is difficult to imagine another actor embodying the sunny essence of Christmas so well. Will Ferrell gave a solid performance in "Elf", but his Buddy was over the top; Glau, on the other hand, feels genuinely elfish in the Santa's helper kind of way, exuding goodness born of naivete and optimism.
Other performances worth mentioning are Eva LaRue's portrayal of Sara VanCamp, a mother who has lost sight of the important things in life, and Izabela Vidovic who plays the daughter, Ally, with intelligence and nuance. Finally, Steve Larkin plays Santa with an understated benevolence that pairs perfectly with Glau's big-hearted Christine.
This is a film worth watching every year.