Episode 29

full
Published on:

18th Dec 2023

ELF

The Fellowship Of The Reel reviews

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ELF

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Exploring Christmas Magic: From 'Elf' to Holiday Traditions

This podcast episode delves deep into the Christmas classic

'Elf,' analyzing its plot, themes, and the emotional tug it has on audiences,

juxtaposed with a broader discussion on Christmas movies, music, and the

inherent spirit of the holiday season. It covers Buddy the Elf's journey of

self-discovery, his impact on New York City, and the broader question of what

makes a movie a Christmas classic, with mentions of 'Die Hard' and 'Lethal

Weapon'. The conversation extends beyond 'Elf' to include debates over other

holiday films like 'Fred Claus' and 'Love Actually,' personal preferences in

Christmas music, and the significance of the Christmas spirit. The narrative

ties together diverse elements like character arcs, movie structure, and the

emotional resonance of holiday traditions, inviting audience engagement with

listeners encouraged to share their favorites. It presents a comprehensive look

at holiday entertainment and its ability to unite themes of family, acceptance,

and celebration.



00:00 Introduction to the Series Discussion


00:47 Diving into Christmas Movies: Elf vs. Fred Claus


02:51 The Great Christmas Movie Debate: What Qualifies?


05:33 Exploring the Impact of Christmas Spirit in Movies


06:34 Quoting Christmas Classics: A Fun Quiz


09:52 Analyzing Elf's Success and Its Place in Christmas

Movie History


13:29 First Impressions and Will Ferrell's Role in Elf


15:40 Breaking Down Elf: A Detailed Movie Analysis


41:34 Buddy's Misadventures and Family Dynamics


41:46 Iconic Lines and Behind-the-Scenes Stories


42:02 Artie Lange's Transformation and Buddy's Gift to

Walter


42:44 Buddy's Journey to Acceptance and Family Bonding


45:16 The Quirks of Elf Culture and Buddy's Integration


45:54 The Climactic Snowball Fight and Buddy's Skills


46:52 Buddy's Impact on His New Family and the World


47:34 Workplace Challenges and the Power of Belief


48:16 Buddy and Jovi's Date Night Adventure


01:12:34 Exploring Christmas Movie Tropes and Favorites


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Everywhere we are, all at once.

https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofthereel

Tell us what you think of the movie. Would you give it a PASS, CONSIDER, or a RECOMMEND?

Have a movie to suggest? A comment to make?

You have ninety seconds. ACTION!

Leave us a voice mail

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Visit our Facebook page for updates, fun movie news, or just to leave us a comment.

Fellowship Of The Reel | Facebook

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To listen to all of Chris' picks, click HERE

To listen to all of Sherry's picks, click HERE

To listen to all of James' picks, click HERE

To listen to all of Phil's picks, click HERE

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Snyder's Genres:

MONSTER IN THE HOUSE - MONSTER, HOUSES, SIN

GOLDEN FLEECE - ROAD, TEAM, PRIZE

OUT OF THE BOTTLE - A WISH, A SPELL, A LESSON

DUDE WITH A PROBLEM - AN INNOCENT HERO, A SUDDEN EVENT, A TEST OF SURVIVAL

RITE OF PASSAGE - A LIFE PROBLEM, THE WRONG WAY TO FIX IT, THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

BUDDY LOVE - AN INCOMPLETE HERO, A COUNTERPART NEEDED TO MAKE THEIR LIFE WHOLE, A COMPLICATION THAT IS KEEPING THEM APART EVEN THOUGH THAT FORCE IS BINDING THEM TOGETHER

WHYDUNNIT? - A DETECTIVE, A SECRET, A DARK TURN

FOOL TRIUMPHANT - A FOOL, AN ESTABLISHMENT, A TRANSMUTATION

INSTITUTIONALIZED - A GROUP, A CHOICE, A SACRIFICE (JOIN, BURN IT DOWN, COMMIT SUICIDE)

SUPERHERO - A POWER, A NEMESIS, A CURSE

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The Snyder Beats:

OPENING IMAGE

THEME STATED

SETUP

CATALYST

DEBATE

BREAK INTO TWO

B STORY

FUN AND GAMES

MIDPOINT (FALSE VICTORY OR DEFEAT BUT OPPOSITE OF THE ALL IS LOST)

BAD GUYS CLOSE IN

ALL IS LOST (OPPOSITE OF THE MIDPOINT, FALSE VICTORY OR DEFEAT)

DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL

BREAK INTO THREE

gathering the team

executing the plan

high tower surprise

dig deep down

execution of the new plan

FINALE

FINAL IMAGE

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"Welcome to the Show" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Extended license purchased.

Fade out applied.

Podcast recording overlaid onto track.


Transitions sounds courtesy of Lloyd. Lloyd has very graciously made a whole host of podcast transitions sound effects available free for personal use. We at the fellowship think they are absolutely blockbuster. If you want to find out more, or need some pretty awesome effects for your production visit Lloyd here. TRANSITIONS


Crowd Ooohs and Ahhhs in Excitement by noah0189 --

https://freesound.org/s/264499/ -- License: Creative Commons 0


Crowd clapping.wav by IllusiaProductions --

https://freesound.org/s/249938/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Show artwork for Fellowship Of The Reel

About the Podcast

Fellowship Of The Reel
One movie review podcast to rule them all
A single movie is more powerful than a thousand realities...or something.
Come to Fellowship Of The Reel, a movie review podcast beyond the furthest reaches of your imagination.
Four movie fans meet to discuss, debate, and ultimately review movies of their own choosing.
One Movie Review Podcast To Rule Them All!

About your hosts

Philip McClimon

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Philip A. McClimon is an author who likes to write about the end of the world (post apocalyptic, Sci/Fi), mostly because he thinks the shopping would be awesome (No crowds, everything free). He likes heroes that are the strong, silent type and not necessarily male. By silent he means up until the time there is something snarky to say, usually before, during, and after doing something cool.

He writes Urban Fantasy under the name Billy Baltimore for no other reason than that he likes the name. Many of the same rules for his other stories apply to Billy’s, strong silent types, smart mouth, does cool stuff, but these stories take place in a made up town called Hemisphere and involve stuff you only ever hear about on late night conspiracy talk show podcasts, which are, if you think about it, pretty awesome too.

So, that's Phil. He's not strong, rarely silent, and isn't known for doing a lot of cool things.

But his characters are.

Sherry McClimon

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The wife of Philip McClimon. Probably all that needs to be said. She is responsible for his bad behavior not being worse than it is. She is concerned that her mother might listen.

James Harris

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James Harris is a tech guru and musician extraordinaire; he also loves movies. A pretty decent guy all around.

Chris Sapp

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Chris Sapp has been a friend for a lot of years and a writer for a lot more. An encyclopedic knowledge of story and movies, he can take you on a deep dive into script and screen. Another pretty decent guy, which are the only kind allowed around here.