I can commend it's originality, it has its heartwarming elements and a plot that revolves mostly around something other than your typical holiday romance, and this is somewhat refreshing. I can give it this much. But it's hard to appreciate all of this, when it's being overshadowed by just how obnoxious Buddy the elf is. You must be pushing 40, please stop it with the man-child display. I should be feeling jolly, why am I clenching my teeth? It's an over the top performance without being funny.
There's also the question of: who was this movie supposed to be aimed at? This is wholly unclear. It lacks the lightheartedness of a children's movie, with dark undertones (e.g. trauma), and the depth of an adult movie. I had to do a rewatch for this review, because despite having seen it already, it has no noteworthy morals or telling storylines that my mind could have retained. All I remember is not liking it, and I feel like that says enough. It feels both painstaking and rushed at the same time, just hectic and unrealistic. This isn't even to mention the disturbing, and wildly inappropriate shower scene.
I don't know, call me heartless, but I just don't think it's a movie best encapsulating of the magical wonderful Christmas spirit. It's just a bit cringey really. Stick with your Home Alone, or your Love, Actually. No more Elf, please. I'm begging.