Where to watch Elf-Man
2 Stars
This is Elf-Man’s (Jackass member Weeman), first year on slay duty. Yet, he is saddled with the unenvious task of playing pooper-scooper to Santa’s flatulent reindeer. He is an elf of such pure nature that when he burps in his sleep, the vapor tuns into a delightful snow-globe. After hearing the cries of a sad little girl, Santa leaves the elf stranded with the family over Christmas Eve. Meanwhile Dr. Harper has been kidnapped by three bumbling criminals. Think of Elf-man as E.T. mixed with Home Alone.
The only term I could think of to describe this movie accurately is cute. Santa’s elves use handheld electronic tablets with the list of naughty or nice children, but wouldn’t you know it; when he is away they are browsing elfbook. Directed by Ethan Wiley, a man with only horror films on his resumé, from a script co-written with Richard Jefferies, another alumnus from the horror genre. Jeffery Combs, whom some may recall was the creep presence in the cult classic Re-animator, is totally wasted as the lead villain.
There are a few amusing bits including a homage to Sergio Leone’s finale in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Elf-man makes a half-hearted attempt to morph into a superhero origins fable mid-way through. Yet, it is far more successful when sticking to the slapstick elements and a nice holiday message about believing in miracles. While assuredly not for the Jackass crowd, Elf-Man is likely to please undemanding young viewers with Christmas on the brain.
Director: Ethan Wiley
Stars: Jason ‘Wee Man’ Acuña, Jeffrey Combs, Mackenzie Astin