RottenTomatoes.com
Log In | Register | What is RT?
Check out the new RT Community
  • Home
  • Movies
  • DVD
  • Celebrities
  • News
  • Critics
  • Trailers & Pictures
  • CommunityBeta
  • Box Office
  • | In Theaters
  • | Opening
  • | Upcoming
  • | Best Of
  • | Certified Fresh
RT Search Powered by Google
help icon Enhanced RT
searches on Google
Click here to turn on enhanced search results from RT on your Google searches.
 
Movies / Upcoming / Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Rate this Movie Help Icon

  • Write a Review
  • Read Reviews
  • Add to List
  • Buy Poster External Icon
  • Visit Official Site External Icon
Bookmark and Share

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
37 %
Tomatometer
Template ImageTemplate Image

How does the Tomatometer work Help Icon

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... 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 enchanted business on to his beloved assistant, Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman). However, when Molly, a former composer and pianist, has doubts about taking over the (literally) magical store, and an uptight accountant (Jason Bateman) appears to assess the establishment, the many inhabitants of the Wonder Emporium begin to rebel, resulting in a chaotic situation that can be fixed only with the help of a shy, lonely boy (Zach Mills). A first-time director best known for his inventive STRANGER THAN FICTION screenplay, Helm ably--ahem--helms EMPORIUM, which clearly nods to the WONKA and TOY STORY movies without seeming derivative. Always one to dive gamely into a quirky role (see TOOTSIE, RAIN MAN, HOOK, etc.), Hoffman makes Magorium both silly and endearing, while Portman charms as his earnest protégé, and Bateman provides an enjoyable level of skepticism while enduring the nickname "The Mutant." Although the film's playful quality could veer toward excess, its thoughtful script and able actors allow it to stand out as a highly entertaining production. [More]

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills

Director: Zach Helm

Director: Zach Helm
Producer: Richard N. Gladstein, James Garavente
Composer: Alexandre Desplat, Aaron Zigman
Studio: 20th Century Fox

[See More Credits]

  • Trailers
  • Pictures
  • Trailer
    >
    No Need To Show Off
    >
    Video Interviews
    >
1 - 3 of 3

See More Movie Trailers & Pictures

Reviews for Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
 
 
41 - 60 (sorted by date; Australian critics are listed first)
Text View | |< << 1 2 3 4 5 6 >> >|
Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
 
 

Because of inspiring discussions of death and belief%u2014and truly creative moments of warmth and wonder%u2014the movie ultimately overcomes its flaws to charm, inspire and satisfy.

Full Review Source: Christianity Today | comment Comment
11/18/07
Todd Hertz
Todd Hertz
Christianity Today

Fanciful and colorful but still just a tad above average, "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" is an odd little show that might keep kids entertained during their visit. On the other hand, it might not.

Full Review Source: Quad City Times (Davenport, IA) | comment Comment
11/18/07
Linda Cook
Linda Cook
Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)

A film about joy and wonder shouldn't have to work so hard to try and achieve those traits; it kind of defeats the purpose.

Full Review Source: KPBS.org | comment Comment
11/17/07
Beth Accomando
Beth Accomando
KPBS.org

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!

Full Review Source: ReviewExpress.com | comment Comment
11/17/07
Diana Saenger
Diana Saenger
ReviewExpress.com

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.

Full Review Source: DustinPutman.com | comment Comment
11/17/07
Dustin Putman
Dustin Putman
DustinPutman.com

The kind of movie that almost makes me want to cry for joy at the end because I feel like, 'Yeah, they did it.'

Full Review Source: Can Magazine | comment Comment
11/17/07
Fred Topel
Fred Topel
Can Magazine

As gentle and sweet as it may be, this movie's a treat, but not a treasure.

Full Review Source: E! Online | comment Comment
11/16/07
Alex Markerson
Alex Markerson
E! Online

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.

Full Review Source: Hollywood.com | comment Comment
11/16/07
Betsy Bozdech
Betsy Bozdech
Hollywood.com

...there's a droll and engaging heart under all that CGI marzipan.

Full Review Source: Sacramento News & Review | comment Comment
11/16/07
Jim Lane
Jim Lane
Sacramento News & Review

Bateman tries, Portman is cute as ever, but Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is all emporium, no wonder.

Full Review Source: Philadelphia Daily News | comment Comment
11/16/07
Gary Thompson
Gary Thompson
Philadelphia Daily News

The special effects are too obvious at times, and in trying to impart an eccentric vibe, Helm relies too heavily on kooky camera angles.

Full Review Source: Sacramento Bee | comment Comment
11/16/07
Carla Meyer
Carla Meyer
Sacramento Bee

Get into the right and light holiday spirit, and you should be pleased.

Full Review Source: San Diego Union-Tribune | comment Comment
11/16/07
David Elliott
David Elliott
San Diego Union-Tribune

Helm gets huge bonus points for noticing everything that's annoying about modern children's films and including none of those things in his movie.

Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle | comment Comment
11/16/07
Peter Hartlaub
Peter Hartlaub
San Francisco Chronicle

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is what happens when too many sappy sweet instincts chase too few original ideas.

Full Review Source: San Jose Mercury News | comment Comment
11/16/07
Bruce Newman
Bruce Newman
San Jose Mercury News

In a season filled with depressing movies for adults, someone's finally thought to give equal time to the kids.

Full Review Source: Seattle Times | comment Comment
11/16/07
Moira MacDonald
Moira MacDonald
Seattle Times

Natalie Portman is enchanting as Magorium's assistant, Zach Mills underplays the role of an outcast kid and Jason Bateman makes humorlessness humorous.

Full Review Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press | comment Comment
11/16/07
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)
St. Paul Pioneer Press

As long as Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium sticks to magic, it is pretty engaging, but the lives on display are less than mesmerizing.

Full Review Source: Toronto Star | comment Comment
11/16/07
Susan Walker
Susan Walker
Toronto Star

Beneath the initial glare and blare is a quietly literate script by first-time writer-director Zach Helm that deals directly with big issues like believing in yourself and living on after a loved one passes away. But is it heavy? Not really.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
11/16/07
Ken Fox
Ken Fox
TV Guide's Movie Guide

If the concept of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is ingenious, its execution is erratic.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
11/16/07
Stephen Holden
Stephen Holden
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

There isn't anything terribly exciting or original on offer... but there's nothing offensive either.

Full Review Source: New York Post | comment 1 Comment
11/16/07
Lou Lumenick
Lou Lumenick
New York Post
 
 
41 - 60 (sorted by date; Australian critics are listed first)
Text View | |< << 1 2 3 4 5 6 >> >|
all

Latest News for Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

March 03, 2008: RT on DVD: Into the Wild, Things We Lost In The Fire, My Kid Could Paint That Arrive
Into the Wild, Sean Penn's lyrical adventure about a young idealist on a cross-country trek, leads new releases this week. More...

February 28, 2008: Box Office Guru Preview: Semi-Pro Set To Slam Dunk The Competition
A triumvirate of films opens this weekend, but all will bow to the power of the mighty Will Ferrell and his latest outrageous comedy, Semi-Pro. More...

November 18, 2007: Box Office Guru Wrapup: Beowulf Rules As Overall Box Office Stalls
Paramount reigned supreme at the North American box office as its animated adventure tale Beowulf seized the number one spot in its opening weekend while the studio's other toon... More...

November 15, 2007: A sugar-coated holiday fantasy about toys with major hangups, and the adults around them who are too busy with their own neurotic issues to dispense any TLC. Opens in new window
More...

See All

More Movies

Coming Soon in Australia
Tomatometer Percentage Movie Date

70% 70% Where the Wild Things Are 03/12
83% 83% Paranormal Activity 03/12
89% 89% Zombieland 03/12
76% 76% The Informant! 03/12

What’s Hot On RT

Coen Brothers

Coen Brothers

We count down their 10 best-reviewed films

Avatar

Avatar

Watch an exclusive behind-the-scenes video

RT's Twilight corner

RT's Twilight corner

Everything you need on New Moon is here

Doomed Romance

Doomed Romance

Our top 10 star-crossed movie lovers

Other News

  • Top Stories
  • Popular
  • Interviews
 
 

Comments

 
 
Top Stories
Headlines Comments
  
  • Disney Restructuring Has Broad Implications Source: Los Angeles Times
4
  • Joel Silver Talks Ninja Assassin, Sgt. Rock, Lobo, and More Source: Collider.com
1
  • Weekly Ketchup: Idris Elba cast in Thor, more Spider-Man 4 rumors
102
  • Idris Elba Joins Thor Source: Hollywood Reporter
112
  • Jackass 3D Coming in 2010? Source: Collider.com
32
  • 6 Reasons 'Twilight' Is Doomed Source: The Wrap
63
  • Forbes Names Hollywood's Most Overpaid Actors Source: Forbes
20
  • Chris Weitz Says He's (Almost) Done with Directing Source: Film School Rejects
26
  • Spider-Man 4 Casting Rumors Multiply Like Rabbits Source: Deadline Hollywood Daily
51
  • McTeigue Says Superman Is "In a Weird Place" Source: MTV
204
Popular
Headlines Comments
  
  • Box Office Guru Wrapup: New Moon Shatters Records
143
  • Critics Consensus: New Moon Wanes
129
  • Tomatometer Watch: Will Twilight's New Moon Dazzle?
97
  • Total Recall: Star-Crossed Lovers
74
  • Weekly Ketchup: Idris Elba cast in Thor, more Spider-Man 4 rumors
51
  • Five Favorite Films with Werner Herzog
50
  • Friday Harvest: New Moon, Avatar, and more!
31
  • Eric Bana talks Love the Beast - RT Interview
8
  • RT on DVD: Harry Potter returns, Bella heads to Adventureland
4
  • Ho, ho, ho! It's RT's Great Big Gift Guide!
0
Interviews
Headlines Comments
  
  • Eric Bana talks Love the Beast - RT Interview
8
  • Fight Club Sound Designer Reflects on Film's 10th Anniversary
19
  • James Schamus talks Taking Woodstock - RT Interview
6
  • RT on DVD: Wassup, Bruno
3
  • Scott Hicks Talks The Boys Are Back
0
  • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview
15
  • Richard Kelly chats about The Box
2
  • Terry Gilliam Talks Doctor Parnassus
16
  • Wes Anderson Talks Fantastic Mr. Fox - RT Interview
8
  • Wolverine Creator Len Wein Talks About the Film
28
 
 

Sponsored Links

Around The Network

  • Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium at Rotten Tomatoes
  • Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium at IGN
  • Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium at AskMen

Fresh Links

Featured
Why Don't Australians Make Sci-fi?
Why Don't Australians Make Sci-fi? External Link

The New Matilda's Lynden Barber looks at the recent success of low-budget sci-fi -- and asks the question.

New Moon Portraits
New Moon Portraits External Link

TIME offers us a closer look at the characters from the latest Twilight film.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Twitter
Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Twitter External Link

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.

Competitions
Win Star Wars prizes
Win Star Wars prizes External Link

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Win the entire 007 collection
Win the entire 007 collection External Link

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

Win Fight Club Special Editions and more
Win Fight Club Special Editions and more External Link

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection

 
 
About| Site Map| Help| RT To Go| Contact Us| Critics Submission| Linking to RT| Licensing| Movie List| Celebs List| Newsletter
IGN Logo

IGN.com | GameSpy | Comrade | Arena | FilePlanet | GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox | Planets | Vaults | VE3D | CheatsCodesGuides | GameStats | GamerMetrics
AskMen.com | Rotten Tomatoes | Direct2Drive | Green Pixels


By continuing past this page, and by the continued use of this site, you agree to be bound by and abide by the User Agreement.
Copyright 1998-2009, IGN Entertainment, Inc. About IGN | Support | Advertise | Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Subscribe to RT's XML feed! IGN RSS Feeds
IGN's enterprise databases running Oracle, SQL and MySQL are professionally monitored and managed by Pythian Remote DBA
Certain product data ©1995-present Muze, Inc. For personal use only. All rights reserved.