Overview: After crawling into Santa's bag of toys when he was a baby, Buddy (Will Ferrell) wound up at the North Pole and spent his entire life raised by elves. But Buddy grows three times bigger than all the others, and eventually he sets off for New York City in search of his biological father (James Caan). His father is a no-nonsense workaholic who doesn't buy Buddy's story. Even Buddy's 10-year-old half-brother doesn't believe in him or Santa. The poor misfit finds a whole city of jaded New Yorkers who have forgotten the meaning of Christmas, and is determined to make everyone believe in him and the spirit of the holiday.

Verdict: 'Elf' is one of those rare Christmas comedies that has a heart, a brain and a wicked sense of humor, and it charms the socks right off the mantelpiece! Charmingly irreverent, blissfully charming, and formulaic but lovable, 'Elf' treats its young audience members with respect and makes its older ones feel like children. For those of you with a belly laugh on your wish list, Christmas has come early this year as this is one of the year's best comedies!
Reviewed by Sarah Hickson