Classics: A Review of Elf By Lauren Ennis

The holidays are often referred to as the ‘season of believing’. As we grow older, however, the pressures of daily life and stresses of the holidays can make us forget the magic that once made the season so bright. In the 2003 holiday hit Elf, one jaded family rediscovers the Christmas spirit with the help of a new addition from the North Pole. Through the misadventures of ever optimistic elf Buddy, the film reminds us all that you’re never too old for Christmas cheer and that the greatest magic lies not at the North Pole but in the depths of the human heart.

The story begins with Santa visiting an orphanage during his annual around the world deliveries. When he returns to the North Pole, he is stunned to learn that one of the infants from the orphanage stowed away in his sack of toys. The child, dubbed Buddy, is then adopted and raised by a family of elves. Although he enthusiastically devotes himself to life as an elf, he never quite fits in with his adopted family. When he reaches adulthood he is shocked to learn of his true origins, and mortified when Santa informs him that his biological father is a cynical publisher who has earned a spot on the Naughty List. Determined to find his place in the human world, Buddy sets off for New York City to find his long-lost father and finds himself in plenty of hijinks along the way. Although his arrival in the Big Apple is a matter of culture shock for the cheery elf and those around him, Buddy’s goofy charm and child-like wonder eventually win over even his most cynical critics as he brings a touch of the North Pole to New York.

Through its wonderfully whimsical fish-out-of-water story, the film reminds us all of the magic of Christmas, while imparting lessons in tolerance and acceptance that will resonate throughout the year. Caught between his biological heritage and the culture he was raised in, Buddy finds himself unable to fit into either human or elf society. While both Santa’s elves and Buddy’s family in New York see his uniqueness as a burden, it is ultimately his ability to bridge New York and the North Pole that enables him to save Christmas. Much like his similarly misunderstood predecessor, Rudolph, Buddy serves as a positive role model by inspiring viewers to embrace who they are and highlighting the value of standing out, even as society demands that you fit in. Throughout his struggles to find his way in New York Buddy is aided by the kindness of his new family and co-workers, who in turn find themselves learning to see the world for the magical place that it could be. Through its emphasis upon everyday acts of kindness the film highlights the true meaning of Christmas and reminds us all that is the people around the tree rather than the presents under it that matter most.

The film casts a spell of holiday magic through the charm of tis cast. Bob Newhart infuses his role as Papa Elf with his signature dry wit, and serves as an ideal guide through the story’s zany adventures. Ed Asner captures all the jolliness and warmth of St. Nick in his role as Santa. Daniel Tay is believable and engaging as Buddy’s step brother, Michael. Mary Steenburgen conveys an essential sensitivity in her portrayal of the struggles of Buddy’s put-upon stepmother, Emily. Zooey Deschanel is a dead-pan delight in her role as Buddy’s co-worker turned love interest, Jovie. James Caan hits all the right notes in his turn as Buddy’s workaholic father, Walter, as he evolves from cold businessman to loving family man. In spite of its excellent cast, the film belongs to Will Ferrell, who inhabits the childlike Buddy with an enthusiasm that is nothing short of infectious.

As a heartwarming adventure that the whole family can enjoy, Elf has earned its status as a modern Christmas classic. The film’s by turns slapstick and sentimental script combined with the charms of its all-star cast make Elf a holiday film that will keep viewers coming back year after year. For a guaranteed holly jolly time join Buddy for a journey through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops and through the Lincoln Tunnel for an adventure that you won’t soon forget.

Classics: A Review of Finding Neverland By Lauren Ennis

Inspiration is something that many of us seek, but that is often difficult to recognize. For playwright J M Barry, however, inspiration was something that was found in the most surprising of places; within his own everyday life. Through its portrayal of the creative process that led to the creation of Barry’s Peter Pan, the 2004 drama Finding Neverland pays apt tribute to the creative spirit and reminds us all that inspiration lies around every corner if we only allow ourselves to see it. At once a biography, a behind the scenes peek at the making of a classic, and a heartfelt drama the film illustrates all the ways in which life fuels art while art in turn elevates life.

Amazing what a little pixie dust can do

The story begins in turn of the century London as struggling playwright Barry copes with the critical and commercial failure of his latest production. Dogged by pressure from skeptical producers and his wife’s nagging demands, Barry finds release in his budding friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family after making their acquaintance in a local park. When they first meet Barry the family, made up of widowed mother, Sylvia, and her three sons George, Peter, and Michael are still reeling from the recent loss of Sylvia’s husband and the boys’ father to cancer. Over time, however, they eventually welcome ‘Uncle Jim’ as a surrogate member of the family, much to the chagrin of Sylvia’s controlling mother and Barry’s neglected wife, Mary. The unusual relationship soon sparks controversy as the playwright’s motives along with his and Sylvia’s behavior are called into question. In spite of the rumors, however, the friendship continues to blossom as Barry reminds the grieving family of the joys of living while they in turn inspire his greatest work.

The film truly soars thanks to the exemplary performances of its talented cast. Rahda Mitchell captures the frustrations of Mary Barry in a way that ensures audiences will sympathize with her. Julie Christie is a force to be reckoned but infuses her role with underlying vulnerability as Sylvia’s domineering mother, Emma. Dustin Hoffman is engaging in his portrayal of cynical producer Charles Frohman. Nick Roud aptly captures George’s struggle to hold onto his childhood even as he takes on the role of ‘man of the house’. Luke Spill is charming in his sweet but never cloying performance as Michael. Freddie Highmore is brilliant in his portrait of grief as he conveys the inner torment of middle sibling Peter. Kate Winslet imbues her Sylvia with a warmth and quiet strength that leaves little wonder as to why Barry finds solace and inspiration in her company. Even while surrounded by an outstanding cast the film belongs to Depp who portrays the enigmatic Barry as a contagiously charming child at heart.

The moments that dreams are made of

The film’s portrait of the man behind the boy who never grew up serves as both a fascinating biography and an homage to the masterpiece that has captivated generations. The film deftly tells its story on two levels by showing how events unfolded in the real world while simultaneously providing insight into how these events found their way into Barry’s work. The film wisely maintains a firm focus upon the events leading up to the creation and successful production of Peter Pan which adds an immediacy and urgency to the script that many traditional biographical films lack. In this way, the story becomes an exploration of Barry’s relationship with the Llewelyn Davies family rather than a mere account of his life. This structure in turn allows the relationships between the characters time to develop in a way that most biographies, which chronicle a series of events over the course of several years cannot. As a result, the film is equally engaging as both a journey into the creation of a masterpiece and a tribute to the magic that still has us searching for Neverland.

Through its portrayal of the tragedy and triumph that lead to the creation of Peter Pan, Finding Neverland is an apt tribute to the creative spirit. With its superb script and excellent performances the firm brings the story behind the story of Peter Pan to vibrant life. One viewing of this film will leave viewers wanting to visit Neverland again and again.