A review from new Court member Movie Man Mike:

Elf (B+)

I went to this movie not expecting much. I thought it was going to be one of those movies filled with school yard humor and offensive bodily noises. I was pleasantly surprised. The cast is really quite colorful, with Ed Asner in the role of Santa Clause, Bob Newhart in the role of Papa Elf, James Caan in the role of the father, and Mary Steenburgen as the wife to Caan. Will Ferrell's portrayal of a human raised as an North Pole Elf, who is suddenly thrust into the midst of humanity as he seeks his origins, makes for some great comedy. Zooey Deschanel, a Christina Applegate look-alike, plays the love interest of Ferrell with convincing disinterest. This cute little story started out like a Christmas classic, then it switched gears and went into its sitcom mode, and it finished a bit like a Christmas classic--so much so that it brought a tear to my eye. I recommend it for anyone looking for a lighthearted, funny film.