I feel Jon Favreau's
Elf went a little underrated when it was first released. Sure, it simply features Will Ferrell (
most overpaid actor) jumping around in an elf suit, and it's your general feel-good story of the season, but the film does it all quite well, in my opinion. The jokes are good-hearted and not overly cheesy, and the acting/characters aren't trying too hard and are surprisingly believable. Plus, Zooey Deschanel (a blonde!) sings! The film's definitely become one of my holiday classics.
If you need a refresher on the greatness of the film, head on over to the
Aero tonight. It'll be featured in a double feature with
Bad Santa (the director's cut), the naughty adaptation of
Miracle of 34th Street starring Billy Bob Thorton. It wasn't exactly my cup of tea when I watched it in theaters, but I can definitely understand how the dark humor works alongside the usual merry seasonal stuff. Whichever way you feel like celebrating the holidays -- cheery or dark -- this double feature is a great way to start.
Elf and Bad Santa screen beginning at 7:30 tonight at the Aero, located at 1328 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica.-- Chau Tu
