Product Description

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: BLU-RAY DISC Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 024543505051 Manufacturer No: 2250505

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2561 in DVD
• Brand: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
• Released on: 2008-03-04
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
• Dubbed in: French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 94 minutes

Amazon.com
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

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Customer Reviews

great!
I love this movie, it might not be for everyone but if you have an imagination then this could be for you.

Refreshing, magical, uplifting
What a refreshing movie for families, after so many ridiculous "family films" full of arguing and food fights. I don't have a lot to add that others haven't already said, but this movie was beautifully done and encourages children (and even those who aren't children) to find the magic in themselves. I was very happy with this film and highly recommend it. There is one scene that very small children may be a bit frightened by.

"Do You Believe in Magic?"
Splitting kindergarteners into groups, I was given the privilege of assigning names for each group. I was surprised to learn that about two-thirds of them had recently seen `The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition),' so I knew names like Aslan, Mr. Tumnus, and the beavers would mean something special to them. `Weren't you scared when the wolves showed up?' I asked. `No,' they said in unison if not with some amusement. The thought hadn't occurred to them, even if their teacher embarrassed teacher wouldn't admit he got a jolt every time the wily beasts made their appearance.

What does that have to do with `Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium'? Well, it has to do with audience appeal. For some this movie will be only for primary purposes, say pre-school to third grade. For me I was enchanted, but for some the digitalized special effects will seem ho-hum, and cynics will not even want to ride along.

For all his inviting charm, Dustin Hoffman plays Edward Magorium, a soft spoken Willy Wonka with a lisp. He's 243 years old, and his life is measured by the nifty pair of shoes he bought in Tuscany. When his last pair wears out, he's done. (Maybe I'm being too philosophical, but most of us--myself included--can hardly be trusted with that much time.)

He laudably puts the majority of his life span into his Emporium, a free-for-all place--that in my estimation--comes to life. A magic inventory book summons a wish list, duck-duck goose takes literal form, and a perpetual paper air plane flies around the store. These are just tasters, for the pacing of their unveiling is magical enough for me. (I don't want to give away the whole store--sorry!)

Just like in `Willy Wonka' Magorium is looking for a successor to his emporium. Mollie Mahoney (Natalie Portman) heads his staff, but while she believes in the magic, she pines to be a professional pianist and doesn't feel worthy to take his place. The toy store seems to agree as it starts to turn grey in its foundations as the turnover becomes imminent.

The story unfolds like a book, complete with chapters as their created by a book builder (Ted Ludzek). Balancing the skeptic/believer schism are an accountant and a kid. Young Eric (Zack Mills) imitates his hero by sporting a collection of hats; sober Henry Westin (Jason Bateman) can't seem to smile, let alone loosen up to play checkers. Edward Magorium isn't worried, for he's reassuring to Molly, and hiring Henry to assess the place was his idea.

Looking at the movie posters, I thought, `Well, it looks nice, but...How much can they do with a toy store?' The answer is they do enough with the toy store, but what they do to the story is even better. Predictable in places, I was still smitten by the interplay of budding romance and childhood whimsy. Given the simple, but effective soundtrack and Mills' narration, and you're given one sweet and solid movie. If you hold films like 'Elf [Blu-ray],' dear, then you're going to have a good time in 'Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium'.

A J.P.'s Pick 3*'s = Good