Christmas Classic Comes to Canterbury
Get into the holiday spirit with a special relaxed screening of the beloved Christmas comedy Elf, starring Will Ferrell, at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury. With its unique blend of humor, heart, and festive cheer, this film has become a modern classic, delighting audiences of all ages with its story of a human raised by Santa's elves who goes to New York City to find his birth father.
Dir: Jon Favreau
Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel, Daniel Tay, Faizon Love
97 mins · 2003 · United States of America · Cert PG · English
IMDb 7.1/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 85% · Metacritic 66/100 · TMDB 6.7/10 · Trakt 75%
Awards: 2 wins & 9 nominations total
As the holiday season approaches, are you ready to be transported to a world of Christmas magic and laughter? The Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury is set to screen the Christmas classic Elf, a film that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world with its story of a human raised by Santa's elves who goes to New York City to find his birth father. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, and Zooey Deschanel, this comedy has become a staple of modern holiday viewing, and its unique blend of humor, heart, and festive cheer has made it a beloved favorite among both children and adults.
The film tells the story of Buddy, a human who was accidentally taken to the North Pole as a baby and raised by Santa's elves. As he grows up, Buddy begins to feel like he doesn't quite fit in, and he sets out to find his birth father in New York City. With its lighthearted and comedic tone, Elf is a film that is sure to leave viewers of all ages smiling and feeling festive. The film's success can be attributed to its well-crafted storyline, memorable characters, and the impressive performances of its cast, particularly Will Ferrell, who brings Buddy to life with his signature blend of humor and charm.
Elf has received widespread critical acclaim, with an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb. The film has also been a commercial success, grossing over $232 million worldwide. Viewers have also fallen in love with the film, with many considering it a holiday classic. As one viewer noted, the film's unique take on the holiday genre and its endearing story make it a standout production that has secured its place in the history of Christmas cinema.
The relaxed screening at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre is set to take place on Saturday, 5 December 2026. The venue has designed the screening to be welcoming and inclusive for all viewers, with features such as low-level lighting, reduced sound levels, and captioned subtitles. Tickets are on sale with the button beside the article. This special screening is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of Elf in a unique and enjoyable way, and it's an event that is sure to delight both new and longtime fans of the film. So why not gather your friends and family and get into the holiday spirit with this beloved Christmas classic?
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What viewers say
klti · 8/10
There is something very special going on in this movie. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of Christmas movies, and I'm not a fan of Will Ferrells comedy, but this movie just hits the sweet spot. After watching it, I'm always smiling like an idiot. The basic idea is really quite weird, but the story is told with a sweetness that really sells it. Will Ferrells performance is spot on, his over the top kind of comedy just fits with the character…
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Marty McFly · 4/10
Honestly guys??? Who is rating this movie a 10?
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Mad Matty · 10/10
This could be a contender for the best Christmas film ever made, if it wasn't for Tim Allen's "The Santa Clause", which will always have a special place in my heart. I can definitely identify with the main character of this film, Buddy, whose positivity and endless enthusiasm for Christmas has no boundaries. His enthusiasm is infectious and if you need reminding why Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year, then this film will…
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IsharaLion · 5/10
Well, I liked this one way better than Love Actually, that's for sure. I know what this thing wants to be, it's very clearly aimed at children. It feels like a children's book brought to life and it is definitely filmed like it too. If done well, something like that can be charming and heartwarming, but this movie is neither of those things. A lot of scenes feel like excuses to have Will Ferrel do what Will Ferrel does best, play a big child.…
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Wambie · 4/10
I never did get what everyone sees in Will Ferrell. Same here. Meh-
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drqshadow · 8/10
A great excuse for Will Ferrell to run around in holiday garb, drawing sidelong glances from the sidewalk-strollers of Manhattan. Ferrell is the ultimate man-child, a six-and-a-half foot mess of arms and legs in green tights, buckled shoes and a pointy hat, matching the elvish wardrobe of 1964's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. As physical comedy and ridiculous enthusiasm is his forte, Elf makes for a great vehicle, but it's also loaded with a…
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AndrewBloom · 8/10
Watched this one at a Friendsmakkuh gift exchange, so it doesn't feel right to do a full review, but this is still as an enjoyable and charming modern X-Mas movie as you’re likely to find. Will Ferrell channels his ability to do childlike innocence perfectly, and Jon Favreau’s choices pay off in a big way. Part parody of Rankin Bass holiday stories and part standard fish out of water tale, the silliness of the premise and Ferrell’s ability to…
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tiffanylin712 · 9/10
Just wonderful! I'm struggling to find something to criticise about. This is a fun, comical and heart warming Christmas movie that hits the sweet spot.
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