Buddy The Elf Happy Birthday
Buddy the Elf Happy Birthday
Are you in search of a laugh this holiday season or just need something quick and sweet to get in the mood, buddy the elf happy birthday is an enjoyable film to check out. Starring Will Ferrell, it follows a mischievous little boy raised by elves at the North Pole who makes his way to New York City in search of his long-lost father.
The movie “Buddy and the Elf” by David Berenbaum, is based on his short story of same name. Buddy Hobbs, an elf who ends up in New York City after his mistaken identity causes his father Walter’s disownment, attempts to integrate into human society but displays immature behaviors such as chewing discarded gum from subway banisters, accepting fliers and leapfrogging across pedestrian walks.
Stepmother Emily (Mary Steenburgen) and half-brother Michael (Daniel Tay) are uncertain how to treat Buddy at first, but eventually decide to take care of him. After a pediatrician (Jon Favreau) confirms Buddy is Walter’s biological son, Emily presses Walter into taking him home so he can meet his family.
Buddy’s friends (Mark Acheson and Zooey Deschanel) encourage him to date Jovie, a Gimbel’s employee he falls in love with. Additionally, they help Buddy prepare for Santa’s visit by giving him a Christmas makeover and decorating his store’s Santa Land with Lego models, pillow stuffing as snow, and fancy decorations.
Despite Buddy’s enormous success at the box office, director Jon Favreau and star Will Ferrell wanted to focus on a few key scenes. This meant fewer crew members on set, as well as plenty more footage of Buddy’s antics – like jumping across pedestrian walks or accepting flyers – to focus on.
Much of the action took place on Vancouver sound stages, but there were a few moments shot in New York that stood out. Particularly, scenes outside Central Park and Rockefeller Center showed Buddy engaging with local citizens.
Peter Billingsley, best known for his role as Ming the elf in A Christmas Story, joined the cast as an uncredited actor but his presence stood out enough to be noted as an Easter egg.
Special guest star Amy Sedaris joined the cast as Walter’s secretary and Deb. Sedaris played an integral role in persuading Walter to allow Buddy to come to New York even when the baby elf was causing trouble for his dad.
Walter initially hesitated to send Buddy off on his travels, but ultimately made the decision after learning of his autism diagnosis. With limited family life in New York and an increasingly challenging job situation, Walter felt no choice but to part ways with Buddy in New York.
Buddy was in a constant state of anxiety, but his buoyant spirit kept him going and eventually led him back home to his father. From there, Buddy achieved great success as an author and publisher of children’s books; in addition, he married and had a daughter named Susie.