As a general rule, I don't like Will Ferrel movies, I find his over the top acting annoying and simply not funny. Elf was no exception.
I watched Elf because it was hailed as the best Christmas movie of all times, I don't agree with that at all. It did have some cute elements that would have made an enjoyable film, but the annoying antics of Ferrel didn't work for me.
But clearly I am in the minority - so there is that.