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This week at The Tryon Theatre, we are pairing nostalgic Christmas favorites: the holiday comedies Elf (Favreau 2003) and A Christmas Story (Clark 1983). Both films are firmly set on many a family’s Christmas rewatch list. They are both family-friendly, with cheer and goofy charm to spare. However, they also hide plenty of wordplay and incorporate a deeper reflection on childhood that adults will appreciate. 

As with most celebrated classics, we assume most of the audience is familiar with the relative plots of both titles. Still, for potential viewers who would benefit from an introduction to each title, each film merits some preparatory praise. 

“Elf” is a comedy starring Will Ferrell, whose always exaggerated brand of comedy strikes a rare note of warmth and endearing charm in his performance as Buddy. Buddy is the only one of Santa’s elf helpers who is human-sized. Orphaned as a child and raised by the elves, he later explored the world of humanity after reaching adulthood. The film largely explores this transition to the human realm, with an opening rife with physical comedy. 

Buddy’s exploration of his homeworld is a classic fish-out-of-water scenario, full of comedic misunderstandings and errors in translation that provide no shortage of laughter. The film taps into a genuine spirit of Christmas warmth and cheer, guaranteeing many a smile for any filmgoer with a heart. “Elf” occupies rare territory as a relatively modern holiday classic, with many of the best-known titles hailing from the 80s and earlier. 

On the note of that era, “A Christmas Story” is a film that premiered in the 1980s, yet is set in the nostalgia of 1939, following a small boy’s childhood experience during the Christmas season. Narrated by his adult self, the plot reflects his youth with wry wit and sarcastic comedy. This film is one from which many well-known quotes and iconic images have been derived, and it is a veritable feast of “aha” moments for any viewer who has not seen it before. 

The greatest appeal of this film comes not only from the quaint charm of a bygone era before fluorescent lighting but from the ever-enduring nostalgic charm of childhood itself, a time full of fantasy and imaginative interpretation—a quality this film renders in beautiful cinematic glory. The central character of Ralph is a wonderfully relatable character: selfish, impetuous, deceptive, and above all, a really nice kid. 

“Elf” will play on Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday at 2:30 p.m., and Saturday at 7 p.m. “A Christmas Story” will play on Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. We hope you will enjoy one or both of these classics with us soon!