Ten years later, Columbia Pictures is pitting "Zathura" — which this time hurtles a gorgeous Craftsman house into outer space when two bickering brothers play the title game — against the big guns of the holiday season. And Favreau made the space adventure the old-fashioned way: with models and in-camera photo effects. "We're surrounded by big-budget, hugely anticipated movies based on best-selling children's books, using cutting-edge computer technology," says Favreau, his voice rough with fatigue after long hours in the mixing room. "We're trying to find a seat on the bus."

Favreau, now 39, made his mark in 1996 as the writer and co-star, with pal Vince Vaughn, of Doug Liman's hipster hit "Swingers." Off that, Favreau scored more acting gigs ("Deep Impact," TV's "Rocky Marciano"), directed TV movies ("Smog," "Life on Parole") and produced and hosted the IFC celebrity talk show "Table for Five." He also wrote and directed his first indie feature, the 2001 gangster comedy "Made," co-starring Vaughn, which landed him a gig directing New Line Cinema's 2003 holiday comedy "Elf." The $33 million movie was another surprise smash, grossed $173 million and launched Will Ferrell's career as a comedy star.

"Elf" also established Favreau as a seriously gifted director. But he knew that to make the best of his move from the indie minors to the big show, he must choose wisely. "I've had a lot of experience," he says. "I have a wife and two kids. All those things add up to a clear perspective."

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