Elf
The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.
The 2003 film directed by Jon Favreau has one of the best holiday soundtracks, in my humble opinion. Not only are we treated to the talented vocal stylings of Zooey Deschanel, we get improvised singing from Will Ferrell and a bunch of holiday favorites!
"Elf" is a fun holiday romp for the whole family. So, join me in celebrating the music of the film as well as some fun facts.
Baby It's Cold Outside
A classic scene. And the first in which we hear Zooey's beautiful singing voice. Will keeps up as a great duet partner. Add a dose of comedy when he runs into that wall and you got a charming yet funny little musical number.
Fun Fact Number 1 - Peter Billingsley from "A Christmas Story" appears as an Elf
Peter Billingsley played Ralphie in the 1983 holiday classic but in Elf he is uncredited. He is also a frequent collaborator with Favreau having worked as a producer on several of his film and television projects.
Fun Fact Number 2 - Director Jon Favreau makes a cameo as a doctor
Favreau also voiced a stop motion raccoon Buddy meets when he’s traveling from the North Pole to New York AND the famous narwhal. "Bye, Buddy. Hope you find your dad."
Sleigh Ride
The song 'Sleigh Ride' is featured not once but twice. First as Buddy enters the department store, Gimbels, for the first time we hear an instrumental version from Leroy Anderson. Later, as Buddy's father Walter (James Caan) finds his son asleep in the store window, the slower, sultrier Ella Fitzgerald version is heard.
The Nutcracker Suite
When Buddy redecorates Gimbels, the Nutcracker Suite is heard. However, it's performed by the Brian Setzer Orchestra! A fun mix of the classic we all know and love with a little Setzer rockabilly flair.
I saw the Brian Setzer Christmas show back in 2013 and this song was an audience favorite!
Fun Fact Number 3 - Zooey Deschanel has two Christmas albums and a Christmas EP.
Deschanel's band, She & Him, released a few holiday albums: "A Very She & Him Christmas"(2011), "Christmas Party" (2016), and the EP "Holiday" (2021). My favorite being their rendition of 'The Coldest Night of the Year'.
AND Favreau added more music to "Elf" when he realized what an incredible singer Deschanel was.
Finally "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
When Santa's sleigh doesn't have enough Christmas cheer to power up, much like in Peter Pan (I do believe in fairies), Jovie (Deschanel) leads a crowd and those watching the live broadcast at home, into singing 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,' which raises enough Christmas spirit to fully power the sleigh.
So, what do you think? Did you know any of these fun facts? What's your favorite song from "Elf"?
I said it once and I'll say it again: The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.
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