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.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)
Tomatometer
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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
Reviews for Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
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.
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.
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!
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.
The kind of movie that almost makes me want to cry for joy at the end because I feel like, 'Yeah, they did it.'
As gentle and sweet as it may be, this movie's a treat, but not a treasure.
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.
Bateman tries, Portman is cute as ever, but Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is all emporium, no wonder.
The special effects are too obvious at times, and in trying to impart an eccentric vibe, Helm relies too heavily on kooky camera angles.
Get into the right and light holiday spirit, and you should be pleased.
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.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is what happens when too many sappy sweet instincts chase too few original ideas.
In a season filled with depressing movies for adults, someone's finally thought to give equal time to the kids.
Natalie Portman is enchanting as Magorium's assistant, Zach Mills underplays the role of an outcast kid and Jason Bateman makes humorlessness humorous.
As long as Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium sticks to magic, it is pretty engaging, but the lives on display are less than mesmerizing.
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.
If the concept of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is ingenious, its execution is erratic.
There isn't anything terribly exciting or original on offer... but there's nothing offensive either.
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