Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) owns and runs the most magical store in the universe where all of the toys for sale are alive. But when the aging shopkeeper decides to retire and sell the business to his faithful cashier (Natalie Portman) he hires an uptight accountant (Jason Bateman) to get his affairs in order.System Requirements:Running Time: 94 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 024543504832 Manufacturer No: 2250483
Equal parts whimsical and bittersweet, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a family-friendly movie that will charm youngsters. Dustin Hoffman stars in the titular role of an eccentric 243-year-old owner of a magical toy store. He doesn't appear to be sick, but he has lived a long and happy life and is content to leave his emporium to his employee Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman). A former child prodigy who has grown up unsure of herself, she barely knows who she is, much less what she wants to become. Molly is both frightened that her beloved boss is leaving and that she will be left in charge of a store she doesn't know how to run. "Are you dying?" she asks him. Magorium points out, "Light bulbs die, my dear. I am departing." His take on death is both comforting and matter of fact, things younger viewers may find soothing when dealing with mortality. Though the film has drawn comparisons to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this G-rated venture is less dark, curious and interesting than the former. Still, it offers dazzling visuals and a premise that who you are isn't equivalent with who you think you are. Adult moviegoers may find the premise cloying and repetitive. But seen from a child's eye, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is indeed a magical place for a short visit. --Jae-Ha Kim
Beyond Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Books
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Toys and Games
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Stills from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Beautiful.:
This was such a good, bright, intriguing, magical movie. However I couldn't give it the full 5 stars for two reasons. First, it is terribly sad. I generally don't mind "bittersweet" movies, but this one just drug me too far down that even the joyful ending couldn't erase the sad feeling from earlier in the film. Mahoney's distress was just too real! The second reason is the manner in which Magorium dies. I love that the movie somewhat "demystifies" death, reinforcing that a life well lived is not a... more info
Wonderful:
This movie is suitable for all ages. It really is entertaining and magical, and yet it seems to teach us sorta of a moral as well. Wonderful performance by Dustin Hoffman.
Magical:
Let me make this clear first. I didn't watch this film with any children, nor am I some sort of child in a mans body. I'm a lover of movies that seek to entertain, inspire and teach. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium does all three and the supporting cast to Dustin Hoffman really make this movie work. Dustin Hoffman plays the eccentric toy shop owner who's over 240 years old and a believer in magic. One day he tells his dependable shop manager, Mahoney played by Natalie Portman that he's "Leaving."... more info
Funny Movie:
This is a funny movie. Dustin Hoffman is outstanding in his role (especially when he talks to the zebra).
