Elf

I know there’s no accounting for taste – which partially explains Will Ferrell’s career longevity – but there’s no arguing his ability to fully commit to the character he’s playing, no matter how absurd. Is there anyone else who could bring the same level of positivity and enthusiasm to the role of a human adopted by Santa’s helpers? “Elf” (2003) is entirely dependent on willing suspension of disbelief, and Ferrell is so invested in his Buddy the elf, there are a lot of otherwise cynical people who rank it as one of their favorite Christmas films. And that’s the point of Christmas.

Downhill

You remember the Bill Murray movie that Julia Louis-Dreyfus did where she’s the control freak mom/professional on a family ski trip to Austria when a controlled avalanche triggers an emotional earthquake? Unfortunately, Murray is not in the offbeat “Downhill” (2020). Will Ferrell is in it, playing the aloof husband mourning the loss of his own father while losing the grip on his remaining family bonds. The chemistry between Louis-Dreyfus and Ferrell is so authentically bad it’s hard to want them to be together. Murray and another actress (Julianne Moore?) could have rescued this pointedly depressing script – maybe – but why bother?

The Ladies Man

Tim Meadows is one of the most underrated “Saturday Night Live” cast members and it’s unfortunate he never became a more prominent comedic film star. His highlight is “The Ladies Man” (2000) and it, too, is underrated. Granted, ribald sex comedies are a niche taste, but you don’t feel icky cheering for Meadows, who generates genuinely oblivious sincerity as a talk show host who likes to fool around. The plot’s middle-of-the-road compass reins in the raunch to appropriate levels. Plus, there’s a Julianne Moore cameo and vengeful husband Will Ferrell provides an out-of-nowhere musical number inspired by “West Side Story.”