Movie Review: Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

“Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” has its charm. I have to admit I rented this movie mainly to see Dustin Hoffmann, who is one of my favorite actors. This film makes a good children’s story but there is something missing. I think the problem lies in the script and direction of the film. The actors in the movie give solid performances. Hoffmann chooses a slightly odd lisp as part of his character and I’m not sure if it really adds much to Mr. Magorium, who is definitely quirky and charming. When I was studying theater part of our training was to come into a scene full, in other words, having a rich life built for the character. In every movie I’ve ever seen Dustin Hoffmann in he certainly does this and there is no exception here. Natalie Portman and Justin Bateman provide just the right touches as Mahoney and Henry (for some strange reason called “the mutant”), the polar opposite personalities working in the emporium. Zach Mills is engaging as Eric the kid who doesn’t fit in anywhere but is perfectly at home at the toy store.

I’d venture to say if the script had been fleshed out a bit more for the characters and storyline more detailed this movie would have made more of an impact on me. The toys in the emporium are wonderful to watch and the toy store is full of color and magic, making this a good children’s film. I wanted to like this movie more than I did, perhaps if it were more of a fable like “The Princess Bride” I would have found more humor and inspiration in this movie. I’m giving this movie more stars than I probably should because of the strong performances by the actors and the fine art direction.

2007. Starring Dustin Hoffmann, Natalie Portman, Justin Bateman and Zach Mills. Written and directed by Zach Helm.

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