The magic only comes in occasional flashes, with the rest of the time filled by forced silliness that is not united by anything more than talk of smiles and puppies and rainbows
Comment
12/07/07
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)
37
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:120
Fresh:44
Rotten:76
Average Rating:4.9/10
Consensus: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium's title is much more fun that the film itself, as the colorful visuals and talented players can't make up for a bland story.
Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins
Genre: Childrens
US Box Office: $31,920,538
Synopsis: In writer-director Zach Helm's whimsical 2007 film, MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM, veteran actor Dustin Hoffman plays the title character, a 243-year-old toy-store owner who is ready to pass his... [More]
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills
Director: Zach Helm
Reviews for Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Top CriticAs gentle and sweet as it may be, this movie's a treat, but not a treasure.
11/16/07
The trailers make the movie look like the ickiest kind of whimsy, accompanied by obstreperous special effects, but the film itself is gasp-worthy.
05/01/08
Like the store, the movie is chockablock with playthings -- puns, graphics, and music -- that make the life lessons easier to absorb.
11/16/07
This children's tale of magical whimsy miraculously avoids even toying with violence - while confronting the finality of death head-on.
12/06/07
Dustin Hoffman charms in [this] colorful fairy tale, but despite plenty of magical moments, it's missing the extra sparkle that could make it a classic.
11/16/07
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a lighthearted and less noxious Night at the Museum.
11/16/07
Children will find the feature enchanting, while adults may not be so easily impressed.
11/16/07
Whimsy is not portioned out cordially in Mr. Magorium, it's shot out of a cannon...reserved only for those with the capability to embrace deafening big screen magic.
11/16/07
I went in with no expectations for this and found myself caught up in the wonder of the emporium and the magic people can create around them, just by believing they can.
11/21/07
Natalie Portman is enchanting as Magorium's assistant, Zach Mills underplays the role of an outcast kid and Jason Bateman makes humorlessness humorous.
11/16/07
Yes, there is wonder here, and plenty of it.
02/29/08
Get into the right and light holiday spirit, and you should be pleased.
11/16/07
Some say Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is no Willy Wonka, but it's just as fun and much like a Dr, Seuss classic, pay attention and the story can open up an amazing new world, if only you believe!
11/17/07
Not without its flaws, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a minor but honorable effort that kids and adults will be able to enjoy together or apart.
11/17/07
I am utterly charmed by its imagination and sweetness, by its clever wizardry and inspired bizarreness.
11/15/07
The kind of movie that almost makes me want to cry for joy at the end because I feel like, 'Yeah, they did it.'
11/17/07
This is a lovely story for children under 14. Jason Bateman is the horrified and expensive plod who has to wind up Hoffman’s wild accounts. Portman is wonderful as the daffy heroine who needs to grow up and perhaps fall in love.
12/14/07
Top CriticThe walls of multiplex theaters may not shake and weep upon its departure, but as a holiday alternative for kids, OD'ing on Willy Wonka, you could do worse.
11/15/07
I laughed out loud once, yet I am giving this film a positive review. There's something magical about a G-rated film that attempts to capture life, death and a little bit of magic.
03/04/08
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