Elf (2003) — "I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite."

Few modern Christmas films have earned the word "classic" as honestly as Elf (2003). Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by Santa's elves at the North Pole, who heads to New York to find his father, James Caan's thoroughly un-festive children's book publisher, with Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart and Ed Asner rounding out the cast. Jon Favreau directs with a clear love for the old Rankin/Bass specials. We talk the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup. Chris Stachiw, the Doctor of Podcasting, digs into Will Ferrell, Jon Favreau, Christmas cheer, and so much more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-kulturecast--2883470/support. ——— The Kulturecast is a film and culture podcast from Weirding Way Media, hosted by Chris Stachiw, the Doctor of Podcasting, alongside a rotating table of guest co-hosts. Each week digs into where film and culture meet — and how each one bends the other. Now home to sub-feeds including Required Viewing: A 360° Film Study with Dr. David D. Perlmutter. New episodes weekly. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kulturecast/id931361376 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5wjxip9XVYapYuY12yEaGY. Back the show: https://www.patreon.com/cw/kulturecast