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A-List: ElvesApril 24, 2003
While Will Ferrell will star in a film titled Elf (like one of Santa's) set for release during the holiday season of 2003 and there's Orlando Bloom in the Lord of the Rings of the trilogy, I've always had a far different definition of an 'elf' movie. Actually it was my wife who first noted that I had seemed to have a definite type when it came to my favorite actresses and dubbed them 'elves'.
Leviathan - (Amanda Pays - Max Headroom elf)A B movie if there ever was one, Leviathan was released at approximately the same time as the Abyss and Deep Star Six. Abyss was the movie that the other two tried to cash in on and of the two Leviathan is superior (however if you have seen DSS, you realize that statement might be faint praise) The movie does feature Peter Weller who is one my favorite actors for the whole B sci-fi genre (Robocop, Buckaroo Banzai) who does what he can with the material. However, the movie is included in the list for Amanda Pays presence and for the fact that every underwater film is bound to have people running in various states of being drenched with water and Leviathan comes through admirably on this point. Oxford Blues is an infinitely superior movie as far a showcase for Ms Pays but I've always like horror movies and I actually saw Leviathan at the theaters so it remains higher in my memories.
The Cutting Edge - (Moira Kelly - Skating/pouty elf)There's nothing to be proud of in liking this movie as it is a made for the masses by the numbers, opposites attract, sports romance movie. However, there's nothing to be ashamed of either. DB Sweeny stars as the former hockey star who reluctantly turns to figure skating after a hockey career ending head injury. Moira Kelly is the talented but full of attitude career pairs figure skater. I'm sure that you can guess the rest. Every romance cliche is used along way as well as a bunch sports one. We're treated to figure skating routines shot either from the waist up or the waist down (so as to hide the true skaters). All of which leads to the inevitable sports and romance triumph. All said and done, I own a tape and further I will invariably watch it to the end from whatever point I tune in if it happens to be on TV. Besides since she was unceremoniously dismissed from the West Wing at the end of Season 1, there hasn't really been any other notable roles to displace The Cutting Edge as an example for Ms Kelly.
Pump up the Volume - (Samantha Mathis - one-time, knock-off elf)In real life and in the vast majority of roles, Samantha Mathis would not quality for my definition of elf. However, it seems that the producers must have seen Heathers before casting the role as Samantha is given a dye job and even Christian Slater as a co-star to make her more Winonaesque. Released in the wake of Heathers, Pump up the Volume does an above average with the whole teenage angst issues with Christian Slater playing the reserved student by day and pirate radio shock jock by night. Samantha Mathis plays the 'whip me, beat me girl' serving as love interest, co-conspirator, and inspiration. The movie wasn't ground breaking but it was fun to watch and pushed all the right buttons with its teenage audience. I haven't watched this one for quite awhile so I can't honestly vouch that it has withstood the test of time.
The Rocketeer - (Jennifer Connelly - busty elf)Some might claim that Dark City (perhaps a better movie) or that Career Opportunities (definitely not a better movie but did have that white tank top *wink*) would better represent Ms Connely on this list but this is the movie that I find myself actually taking the time to watch again and again. The Rocketeer is set in the 40's with the title character being a young pilot who stumbles across a jet pack. Taking to the skies, our intrepid hero goes off to save the girl from the clutches of the evil Nazi who happens to be led by Timothy Dalton who is a Hollywood Star who happens to be a Nazi star. A perfect comic book plot line! Ms Connely does a decent job in a role that calls mostly for her to look good. The acting kudos and acclaim would follow later with roles in Requiem for a Dream and A Beautiful Mind but I've always thought the Rocketeer was an under appreciated movie so I'm sticking with it as representing Jennifer. Plus there was that white dress.
Real Genius - (Michelle Myerink - Where is she now elf)I really liked this movie went it first came out and was quite taken with Michelle's Jordan. In retrospect, it is now obvious as to the source of part of attraction to Jordan and the movie. For the more normal movie viewer, Real Genius offers Val Kilmer playing the brilliant but rascally laser grad student: Chris Knight. The 'hero' of our story is the newest protégée, the fourteen year old Mitch who is of course roomed with Chris Knight. This glossed over view of the smart (really smart) kids at college features some of the hijinks (such as taking a car apart and reassembling it (running) in a victim's room) associated with places like Cal Tech. The overall science of the movie might not be very accurate but the movie is extremely entertaining.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - (Mia Sara - Sloan elf)There is perhaps some conflict with this movie appearing on the list and another movie that appears later in the list. Regardless of it being one of John Hughes' high school films, Ferris is one of my favorite movies. However, I think of this as much more a fantasy movie that the 'message' movies of John Hughes and is therefore personally justified. The movie seems to be well loved and remembered by most all so I'll leave it at that Sloan was definitely worthy of Ferris' interest.
Beautiful Girls - (Natalie Portman - the Next 'THE' elf)This movie deals with Timothy Hutton's character returning to a small town and reacting to the progress (or lack of) that his school friends have made in their life. Mostly an ensemble piece, it features plot lines like affairs and the arrival of a Uma Thurman as the new girl in town. Honestly, I don't really remember the majority of the story lines. *wink* What I do remember is Natalie Portman utterly stealing every scene she was in. Playing the next door neighbor to Timothy Hutton, Natalie portrays a precocious and completely charming barely teenager that steals Timothy Hutton's heart as well as the audience.
The Professional (Natalie Portman - Young Elf)Yes, I know two separate examples but The Professional is so utterly unlike Beautiful Girls and is such a strong movie regardless of any elfy influences that it earns a separate nod. In her screen debut, Natalie is the star of this movie. Her performance imbues Mathilda with a spirit and vulnerability that makes the relationship between her and her hit man protector believable.
Go (Katie Holmes - tall elf)Ok, I was originally going to write about Ice Storm as I remember watching that movie and then anxiously sitting through the credits to find out who the actress was that played Libbets. After some consultation, Go has been pointed out to be the better choice. Go is probably a better movie (it at minimum, much more accessible) and it is definitely a better showcase for Katie. The movie separate from Katie is a wildly paced and interestingly constructed film with wonderful performances by all. Katie is actually kind of the calm in the midst of the cinematic storm.
and finally... (drumroll please)Heathers - (Winona Ryder - THE elf)One can argue that perhaps some of her later roles would be better examples for the 'elf' look but my favorite Winona movie is Heathers. Perhaps one of the greatest teen movies ever made, Heathers was an apt response to the John Hughes, everything will work out or is perfect, high school films of the 80s. The movie satirically presented the ever present social order of the high school and delivered the fantasy view and delivered a scathing commentary on media reactions to teenagers, all the while keeping us entertained. An excellent script that yielded line after line of instantly quotable dialogue was delivered with style by its young cast. Christian Slater doing his best Jack Nicholson and Shannon Doherty giving us a glimpse of the bitch that would be Brenda Walsh were among the more notable performances of the movie. However the movie revolves around Winona Ryder's Veronica and her even handed reaction to all that occurs around her.
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