Cady's Take:

In the opening scene we are shown how baby 'Buddy' (Will Farrell) first made it to the North Pole, when he unknowingly crawled into Santa's toy bag at the orphanage where he was left for adoption. It takes a heart-to-heart 30 years later from his adoptive Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) for the obvious to sink in; Buddy is not an elf, but a human. From there he sets out from the North Pole to find his biological father (James Caan) who has become a Scrooge-like workaholic obsessed with money.

Many scenes fall into the childish category, I was hoping for more adult humor, but it turns out to be a likable and genuinely funny holiday film for all. It has a Simple uncomplicated script, Although Elf 's appeal hinges largely on your feelings towards Will Ferrell.

Elf won't win any awards for originality, but it manages to charm us with a lot of Ferrell-fuelled mania. Much of the funny moments, as always, can be seen in the previews. But there are the moments that weren't in the trailer such as when Buddy answers his dad's office phone with "Buddy the Elf here, what's your favorite color?' that make this movie worth while.

The climactic action scene is really-really bad, and the movie's seemingly obligatory subplot, about a shortage of Christmas spirit causing a power crisis onboard Santa's sleigh, never quite takes off. But, It's Christmas time, don't be a "cotton-headed ninnie-muggins" and give Elf a shot.

Oh, and Buddy would recommend you grab a bowl of Spaghetti with maple syrup and 2 liter of Coca Cola for maximum movie viewing pleasure.

I think by now we all know what "Elf" is about - human Buddy (Will Ferrell) grows up thinking he's one of Santa's elves, and then embarks upon a trek to New York City to find his biological father.

It's as cute as it sounds, and as bad as it sounds. The premise is ridiculous, but one look at Will Ferrell in a green jacket with a fur collar, and yellow tights and you know this movie will at the very least make you smile. Did I laugh my head off? No. This is a sweet, caring, thoughtful movie about family relationships, identity, and of course, Christmas Spirit. Ferrell's portrayal of Buddy the Gigantic Elfin Man is a combination of true childlike wonder (he decorates every possible surface with Christmas decorations), guileless adherence to truth (he hisses at the imposter, department store Santa "You sit on a throne of lies!"), and sheer goofiness (he eats spaghetti for breakfast - with candy and maple syrup on top).

James Caan plays Buddy's rough, career-oriented biological father and Bob Newhart - yes, BOB NEWHART! - plays his elfin father. Ed Asner is Santa Claus and Mary Steenburgen is sweet and lovely as Caan's wife, who welcomes Buddy into the family. One to watch is Daniel Tay, who plays Buddy's new little brother - their storyline was my favorite in the whole movie.