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This week, Elf, Love Actually, and that Matrix flick are inspiring so much discussion that Film Forum will wait until next week to focus on the next potential blockbusters of the Oscar season.

But if you're eager to get the scoop on Peter Weir's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, a spectacular and suspenseful high-seas adventure starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany, my full review of the film is posted here, and Michael Elliott's review is up at Movie Parables.

Similarly, for parents curious about whether to take the family to see Looney Toons: Back in Action, Michael Elliott's enthusiastic review is also available.

Christian film critics differ over whether there's enough Jesus in Elf

"If you're looking to get in the holiday spirit," writes Cliff Vaughn (Ethics Daily), "check out Elf. [It] hearkens back to classic Christmas films and manages to capture some of that magic. Elf delivers some genuine laughs and is diminutive only in name."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) calls it "a feel good holiday movie with charm to spare. Will Ferrell is perfectly cast as the ever cheerful, overly-excited, human elf. Even if a joke or gag is lacking, Ferrell's consistency in his characterization sells it to us and makes it work. It's a giddy performance. [The movie is] remarkably inoffensive in its content."

Bob Waliszewski (Plugged In) notes that "positive lessons about the importance of the family—especially bonding with a father—are underscored. Still, Elf is not as pure as the driven snow. Some mild language problems, a wink at inebriation and a complete avoidance of the season's Bethlehem roots mix some mud into it."

Apparently some critics really do wish this fantasy world where Santa lives still included the real-world details of Christ's birth. David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) issues a complaint: "Regrettably, while Elf is full of Christmas spirit, spirituality is noticeably absent. Searching for a Nativity or another even remotely religious symbol in the film's winter wonderland is like trying to find a wrapped gift in Whoville after the Grinch came to town."

This doesn't bother Holly McClure (Crosswalk), who exclaims, "I can't say enough good things about this movie! I consider this to be the perfect holiday present for the whole family! Give yourself the gift of Elf for Christmas and discover the simple pleasure of believing in the spirit of Christmas!"

"Whether or not you support the idea of Santa Claus at Christmas," says Chris Monroe (Christian Spotlight), "this film at least uses it to promote a clear biblical concept: faith. Overall Elf inspires us to think about what true goodness can do to affect even the most hardened people."

My review is at Looking Closer.

Love Actually … or is it lust, actually?

Director Richard Curtis hit home-runs at the box office with his romantic comedies about stuffy Brits and reckless Americans. Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Bridget Jones's Diary have all become lasting audience favorites. His latest, Love Actually, features his biggest cast of stars yet.

Hugh Grant plays the new British prime minister, who falls for a member of his staff (Martine McCutcheon). Colin Firth is a writer whose battlescarred heart finds love again. Emma Thompson, whose absence from screens in recent years has been obvious, plays a woman whose relationship with her husband (Alan Rickman) is showing signs of wear and tear. Pirates of the Caribbean's Keira Knightly plays a newlywed, Liam Neeson has a role as a widowed stepfather, Laura Linney plays a woman with a long-concealed crush, and Bill Nighy is a hit as a rock star past his prime but attempting a tacky comeback.

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November (Web-only) 2003, Vol. 47