Join Will Ferrell in his adventure to find his elf-roots in “Elf” (2003) at the Cerrito on Thursday, December 16, at 7:00

6ft.-3inch Will Ferrell believes himself an elf. And we believe him, too.

As critic Roger Ebert wrote, “This is one of those rare Christmas comedies that has a heart, a brain and a wicked sense of humor, and it charms the socks right off the mantelpiece.”

The story begins when a baby (played as an adult by Ferrell) crawls into Santa Claus’ toy bag and is transported to the North Pole. There, he is adopted by Papa Elf (played by Bob Newhart), who supervises all the elves, and eventually grows to his full height, among the diminutive elves.

Still believing himself an elf called Buddy, he happens to hear that his biological father is a hard-driving New York businessman, played by James Caan. Buddy sets out to New York to meet his real father.

Complications, including much humor, ensue. They involve various superbly-cast characters, including Buddy’s love interest, Zooey Deschanel, who plays an apathetic department-store elf (on 34th Street in New York, no less), and Mary Steenburgen, who plays Caan’s warm-hearted wife. Another brilliant stroke of casting gives us Ed Asner as Santa.

This delightful soufflé was directed by Jon Favreau.

“Elf” will play only once at the Cerrito, on Thursday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. Moviegoers are strongly advised to buy advance tickets at the box office or online, as the movie may sell out. All seats are $9.50. Arriving early is a good idea, in order to choose your seat and also order delicious food and wine or beer.

Upcoming Classics

Cerrito Classics usually play at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The price is $9.50 for all seats.

Coming soon

“Battlestar Galactica” Thurs., January 20 at 7 p.m.

Note

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito requires proof of vaccination for all attendees age 12 and up. Please read the details of the policy here, on the Rialto web site.