Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated version of much-loved tale invites younger viewers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas
What's the Story?
ELF: BUDDY'S MUSICAL CHRISTMAS is a stop-animation retelling of the story of Buddy (voiced by Jim Parsons), a human who was raised by elves after he hitched a ride to the North Pole in Santa's (Ed Asner) bag as a baby. After learning of his true heritage from Santa, Buddy sets out for New York City in search of his biological father, Walter Hobbs (Mark Hamill), who's totally unaware that he has an overgrown, elf-shaped adult son. But what Buddy quickly discovers is that Walter's a workaholic who has no time for Christmas or even his wife, Emily (Rachael MacFarlane), and son, Michael (Max Charles). Worse yet, he's a longstanding member of Santa's Naughty List. It will take every bit of holiday cheer Buddy and his new family and friend, Jovie (Kate Micucci), can muster to save Walter from the ranks of the Naughty Listers and to generate enough Christmas cheer to get Santa's sleigh up and running again in time for the Christmas Eve festivities.
Is It Any Good?
This is a Christmas story worthy of a place on your traditions list. Since its debut in 2003, Buddy's story has warmed the holiday hearts of legions of fans, thanks in large part to Will Ferrell's masterful portrayal of the unfailingly cheerful and spirited elf. His are big shoes to fill -- not only in comparison to average-size elves' but also because he left such a mark on the role itself that not many could follow (even in voice only) to fans' satisfaction. Fortunately, the creators cast one of the few who could pull it off in Parsons, who is so in touch with his inner Buddy that it's a seamless transition to this special's animated style.
For all its broad appeal, the original movie still had a few snags that kept it from being something the entire family could watch together, but that's definitely not the case for Buddy's Musical Christmas. Even though it loses some of the laugh-out-loud absurdity that accompanied Ferrell's lanky, be-legginged image, the stop-motion animation recalls Christmas classics such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer; offers a slightly more streamlined story; and yields nine lively musical numbers and heartwarming themes about families and the magic of the holiday.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the holidays mean to them. What are some favorite traditions you enjoy during the season? How do they reflect your family's values?
What makes Buddy such an endearing character? In what ways could he be considered a role model? Why is family so important to him, despite never having known them?
If your family has seen the live-action movie as well, compare the content and themes in both. What aspects of the story were omitted from this version, and why was that done? How do the changes alter the stories' target audience? Did you like the music in this version? Was this story worthy of a remake?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 3, 2015
- Cast : Jim Parsons , Mark Hamill , Rachael MacFarlane , Ed Asner
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Holidays
- Run time : 60 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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