MovieChat Forums > Elf (2003) Discussion > Acting like a man child isn't funny

Acting like a man child isn't funny

posted a year ago by Creamofdacrop884 (1681)
17 replies | jump to latest

This movie would be so much better if they wrote Ferrell's character more like an actual Elf and less like a dumb man child.

[–] [deleted] a year ago

I didn't mind it. I've watched it twice and the other actors did a great job countering his man-child behavior.

[–] csweetleaf2 (3669) a year ago

I personally thought it was cute and refreshing to see an adult with the personality of a child while watching Elf, I personally wish more adults would be a lot like Buddy.

[–] NukeDude (795) a year ago

Oh for cryin' out loud...take a breath...it's a freakin' movie.

[–] blindfolded (1618) a year ago

...and what is an "actual elf?" 🤔

[–] Destinata (3314) a year ago

Isn't that just his schtick? I had to quit watching Saturday Night Live when they brought him on. He was just annoying. Every clip of every movie I've ever seen him in, he's just annoying. HE'S not funny.

[–] Ticketsplease (4024) a year ago

I was literally going to reply with 'that's his schtick'.

[–] strntz (12223) a year ago

Totally agree. He's annoying. In everything. Including Elf. Which is why I won't watch it again.

[–] WildFire78 (59) a year ago

And yet, the movie is now the most popular and most searched Christmas movie.

[–] GreenGoblinsOck8 (7699) a year ago

Personally I don't hate this but I like other Christmas movies over it. These are my must watch Christmas movies in December.
A Christmas Carol (I watch several versions)
A Christmas Story
The original Miracle on 34th Street
It's a Wonderful life
The Santa Clause
Home Alone 1 and 2.

This is okay but isn't my favorite.

[–] hyperjet (719) a year ago

I agree. I watched this once and couldn't get past the fact that he was an idiot. A childlike innocence is fine but being raised by elves, he should have been intelligent, quick witted and charming. He had none of those traits.

[–] strntz (12223) a year ago

he should have been intelligent, quick witted and charming. He had none of those traits.

A talented actor could portray personality traits in characters that they don't themselves possess. Farrell isn't a talented actor. His "personality" shows through (unfortunately) every character he attempts.

[–] MEWsHusband (76) a year ago

It's a movie for children... What the heck are you on about?

[–] blue1981 (7735) a year ago

Yeah but the number of adults who say this is one of their favorite Christmas movies is pretty disturbing.

[–] MEWsHusband (76) a year ago

Plenty of adults also liked Step Brothers which essentially a more edgy version of Ferrell in Elf. That's just his style of humour.

[–] R_Kane (15828) a year ago

Yeah, it’s a bad movie for children. What kind of parent would set lower standards for his children than he does for himself?

[–] BrandNewPoster (10996) a year ago

I thought he was pretty funny.