"Elf: 20 Years of Saving Christmas with Hilarity and Holiday Magic"
As the holiday genre struggled in the 90s with star-driven comedies, Elf, directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell, became a refreshing change in 2003. The film, which follows the journey of a man-child dressed as an elf spreading Christmas cheer in New York City, tapped into the child's point of view and embraced the true meaning of the holiday. With its use of traditional techniques and focus on an up-and-coming star, Elf remains the most enduring and best Christmas film of its era, standing out amidst the lackluster post-Elf holiday movies.