Mr. Magoriums Wunderladen

...then this wonderfully uplifting tale of the power of imagination is extraordinary.

From music to lighting, to set decoration, all of the elements come together in a lighthearted tale that should not be overlooked.

Dustin Hoffman, as Magorium, is a trifle too precious, but this is more than made up for by the spot on casting and performance of Natalie Portman as Molly Mahoney. She brings just the right balance of elfin enthusiasm and borderline adulthood to the crucial role. Zach Mills as Eric,who collects hats, sparkles throughout. Jason Bateman as the "mutant" never overplays his part.

If every life is a performance, this movie is an exceptional reminder of the need to live life with joy and gusto, to play every day, and make the world a brighter place.

Seeing the trailer, I imagined a dreamy, whimsical story where I could lose myself in the lost days of my childhood. Director Zach Helm certainly aspires to create something like that, but it doesn't quite work.

This is undoubtedly a kids' movie. Watching this movie with anything else in mind will ruin it for you. It's simple, with a little moral, but it has some great visuals.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a magical toy store, run by an eccentric old man named Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman). Its manager is Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman) who was a piano prodigy as a child but is too nervous to take it any further. Eric (Zach Mills) is a lonely kid who has trouble making friends (except for Molly and Mr. Magorium). There's also Henry Weston (aka The Mutant) who is hired to take care of the financial business, but he has no imagination and no sense of fun. These are the central characters in the movie. When Mr. Magorium suddenly says he's leaving and is giving Molly the store, Molly doesn't know what to do.

I think Zach Helm wanted to make a whimsy adventure like "Toys," only better. The effects and visuals work...to a point (the potential for magic in Hot Wheels cars only goes so far). There's a lot of color and feeling, but it all leaves something to be desired.

The acting is not spectacular, but the actors do what is called for. The only actor who really sticks out in my mind is Jason Bateman, who displays a wide range of acting ability.

"Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" is a solid effort, but won't go down in history as a classic family movie.

I've watched this so many times I can't count. I don't know why people don't like it. All the tiny little details that bring the toy store to life are what makes it joyful. Hoffman is perfect, Portman is perfect, Bateman is perfect, and Mills is a perfect young actor for the role of Eric. Why would anyone hate the whimsy and joy of this film? I love it. And I have for more than ten years. I watch it at any opportunity.

I read that some critics say the storyline is bland but I have never thought that. It allows for the magic and whimsy which is why I watch it, and why anyone should watch it. It's a great family movie. Except I don't even have kids and I adore it!

Let's get something straight. This - Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium - is my realm. Some guys make movies, but not me. No! I am the one who watches. Upon recently viewing this movie upwards of 250 times in the past month, I can say this is a 100 percent perfect film that will not make you blue, but rather cheer you up even if you are cold and alone. Though I wish I could watch this with my family, I know that is unlikely even if I take full measures. Alright, let's talk about Mr. Edward Magorium. He was a good man and a good toy store owner. He didn't deserve what happened to him. He didn't deserve it at all. But I'd watch him again and tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. When you make it Edward versus Bellini, or Edward versus Molly, Edward loses! Simple as that. This is on Mr. Magorium, not Eric, not Molly. I mean really, what'd you expect me to do? Just simply roll over and not watch this on repeat? That I wouldn't take the time – extreme amounts of time – to watch this myself? Wrong! Think again.

If you don't agree with me, then I'm sorry you feel that way - but know this: If you've already read this far, I won.

Tread lightly, Mr Lambert

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a magical story about a young woman named Molly who inherits a mysterious toy shop that reminds me of the toy shop Duncan's Toy Chest from Home Alone 2.

Directed by Zach Helm, the film has a colorful cast, with Dustin Hoffman as the eccentric 243-year-old Mr. Magorium, Zach Mills as Eric, Natalie Portman as his talented but uncertain store manager slash apprentice Molly, Ted Ludzik as Bellini, the Bookbuilder and Jason Bateman as a skeptical mutant, Henry.

The movie has a clear message about the wonder of existence, the inescapable fact of death, and how we reconcile these two contrasting realities.

The cartoonish circus gadgets and décor set an aesthetic or vibe that I like, blending surrealism and absurdism. The acting and casting are good overall. The plot itself is fairly straightforward when you break it down, its decent but a bit corny, and it can feel slow and cringey at times. Natalie Portman looks great with short hair. Some scenes could definitely have been cut out, but the farewell scene was well done. Overall, it's a creative and interesting movie.