---
title: "Elf: the reviews"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/elf/reviews"
title_page: "https://film.one/film/elf"
critics_score: 63
critics_reviews: 11
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Elf (2003): what the critics said

Critics' score 63 from 11 reviews: 5 positive, 4 mixed, 2 negative.

The reviews lean towards qualified approval, with praise concentrated on Will Ferrell’s performance rather than the story around him. Critics repeatedly single out his physical comedy, guilelessness and sincerity as the reasons Elf’s seasonal sweetness works as often as it does. The warmer notices also value its old-fashioned charm and good nature, while even several sceptical reviews find Ferrell an engaging presence who carries thin material.

The main divide is over whether that charm compensates for flimsy plotting, uneven pacing and sentiment that some find unearned. Supporting characters draw both praise for the casting and complaints that they have too little to do. The spread is wide: Den of Geek embraces the film’s lasting Christmas appeal and Ferrell’s joyful sincerity, whereas Eye for Film dismisses it as unimaginative and excessively sugary. Between those poles, several reviews enjoy the comedy but remain unconvinced by its emotional payoff.

## Radio Times — Jason Caro

Rating 4/5. 

Caro presents it as a sweet seasonal comedy that relies on Will Ferrell’s performance. He singles out Ferrell’s talents as the film’s central strength.

[Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-k57bz5/elf/)

## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw

Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 30 November 2023. 

Bradshaw finds the film an enduring, sweet-natured Christmas comedy. He praises its old-fashioned charm, while noting that its softer qualities now stand out more than Ferrell’s manic comedy.

[Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/30/elf-review-will-ferrell-is-still-santas-biggest-helper-in-christmas-comedy-favourite)

## Variety — David Rooney

Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 26 October 2003. 

Rooney finds the comedy sweet-natured and appealing, despite a somewhat stitched-together story. He singles out Ferrell’s exuberant physical comedy and guileless performance as its main source of buoyancy.

[Read the review](https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/elf-2-1200538391/)

## The New York Times — A.O. Scott

Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 7 November 2003. 

The review is positive about this warm-hearted holiday comedy. It singles out Will Ferrell’s performance as the film’s chief appeal.

[Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/07/movies/film-review-for-one-lad-pointy-shoes-turn-out-to-be-hard-to-fill.html)

## Empire — Anna Smith

Fi1m's normalised score 65/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. 

Smith finds the film amusing, with Ferrell’s physical comedy carrying it despite flimsy plotting. She praises the timing of the gags but faults the ending’s weak emotional impact and sidelined supporting characters.

[Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/elf-review/)

## Time Out — TJ

Fi1m's normalised score 65/100 (inferred from the text). 

The available page does not expose the critic’s overall verdict. Its description singles out Bob Newhart’s framing performance as immediately charming.

[Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/elf)

## Screen Daily — John Hazelton

Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 29 October 2003. 

The page identifies this as a review, but its paywall hides the critic’s verdict. The accessible text does not reveal anything the critic singled out for praise or complaint.

[Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/elf/4015757.article)

## Slant Magazine — Ed Gonzalez

Rating 2/4. 26 October 2003. 

Gonzalez finds the film underwritten, unevenly paced, and overly predictable. He praises Will Ferrell’s physical comedy, which nearly saves the show.

[Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/elf/)

## The AV Club — Scott Tobias

Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 4 November 2003. 

Tobias finds the comedy entertaining but ultimately mediocre, with its unconvincing holiday sentiment undermining the heartwarming ending. He praises Will Ferrell’s performance and the well-chosen supporting cast, while criticizing the film’s pacing and over-eager style.

[Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/elf-1798199045)

## Den of Geek — David Crow

Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 23 December 2012. 

Crow celebrates the film as an enduring Christmas classic. He especially praises Will Ferrell’s sincere, joyful performance as Buddy.

[Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/elf-lookbackreview/)

## Eye for Film — Angus Wolfe Murray

Fi1m's normalised score 10/100 (inferred from the text). 11 December 2003. 

The critic dismisses the film as an unimaginative, overly sugary family comedy. They complain that its script avoids difficult issues and singles out Jovie as the only character who behaves as if she lives in the real world.

[Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/elf-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/elf.md