Magoriums Wonder Emporium

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Directed by: Zach Helm

Starring: Dustin Hoffman

Genre: Fantasy/Comedy

Run Time: 93 min.

Release Date: November 2007

On The Web: Official Site

Teaser: Movie Trailer

Reviewed by Byron Merritt

Before I get started on this review, let me say that I’ve enjoyed most of Dustin Hoffman’s films. THE GRADUATE and RAINMAN are the ones that stand out most but he’s done intervening work that entertained, too. He has, however, been involved in a few clunkers. Things like the questionable SPHERE and the stomach churning ISHTAR show that he needs to be a bit choosey when deciding on film roles. Which brings us to MR. MAGORIUM’S WONDER EMPORIUM...

Hoffman’s portrayal of Mr. Magorium is pretty unique, if not sexually confusing; an unmarried 243-year-old man with a lisp and colorful outfits? {that was a joke, by the way} Mr. Hoffman does play the role very well. He was the shining star in an otherwise slipshod script.

The problems are many, but the biggies are the lack of secondary character development and an extremely rushed series of events, particularly the ending. Examples:

The movie packed zero emotional punch when a main character dies. Zach Mills (HOLLYWOODLAND) who plays a vital role as the young and lonely Eric doesn’t really shine, even when he tries to reach out to accountant Mark Loring (Jason Bateman, THE KINGDOM) and make friends. It is cute but that’s about it.

Natalie Portman (THE DARJEELING LIMITED) stars as Molly, the surprising heir-in-interest of this magical — and alive — emporium. But even Portman’s tearful and soft face couldn’t hold the story up. The short 93 minute run-time of the film allowed for minimal immersion into her character and the aforementioned rush to the finish.

Probably the most interesting character wasn’t a character at all and had very little screen time (which was a shame because I wanted to know more about it). I’m speaking, of course, about the emporium building itself, which goes into a temper tantrum and dark mood when it learns that Mr. Magorium plans to “leave.”

There are some interesting shots and ideas, however. The turning of a dial near a doorway produces different exit points when the door is opened. Toys come to life if they feel nearby emotion (fear, love, etc.). And the idea that someone must move on so that others can learn and become more human is cliche but came off okay if a bit forced.

The other good thing is that this film holds very little that would upset the parents of young kids. It’s safe and visually appealing. But it doesn’t allow for much else.