TotalTelly.co.uk

Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV

Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium [2007]


RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £5.74 (subject to change)

Editorial
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 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 protege, and Bateman provides an enjoyable level of scepticism 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.


Magical
Review date: 2008-07-18 Rating: 10 out of 10

Let me make this clear first. I didn't watch this film with any children, nor am I some sort of child in a mans body. I'm a lover of movies that seek to entertain, inspire and teach. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium does all three and the supporting cast to Dustin Hoffman really make this movie work.

Dustin Hoffman plays the eccentric toy shop owner who's over 240 years old and a believer in magic. One day he tells his dependable shop manager, Mahoney played by Natalie Portman that he's "Leaving." Firstly he must hire an accountant who we come to know solely as Mutant played by Jason Bateman to sort out all his paperwork, all 240 years worth. This becomes a story of friendship, love, belief and living life to the full to achieve all you wanted to achieve.

There are times in this film when it becomes truly heart wrenching. Especially the scene where Magorium finally leaves, but you become accepting of this, as that's what the movie's all about. Moving on. A very entertaining film for the entire family to enjoy and is something I'd strongly recommend.

Similar Products

Reviews


Good, but not enough
Review date: 2008-07-08 Rating: 6 out of 10

The movie is pretty good, but it could have been so much better. The problem is that it is evident the fact that the director was not sure where to get at. The action is confused at times, almost 'shifty'.
And I was very disappointed by the way it ended. You can imagine what will happen next, but too much is left unresolved.
A pity because I really liked Dustin Hoffman in this movie!

what you need to believe in, is you
Review date: 2008-06-23 Rating: 6 out of 10

A nice little film to watch that makes you want to believe in magic. A film about never giving up, being independant and believing in youself.Portman and Hoffman give good performances and after watching you are left with a nice warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

A family film that will bore both kids and adults
Review date: 2008-05-19 Rating: 4 out of 10

It's almost as if the writers couldn't quite make up their minds whether this film was going to be a kids film that adults could enjoy, or a grown up film that brings out the kid in us, but in the end it ends up being neither.

Mr Magorium is over 200 years old and wants to finally hang up his boots and hand his magical toy shop over to his assistant. But unfortunately she's not particularly keen and, sensing this, the toys start taking things into their own hands.

The story, which is very thin at best, doesn't really go anywhere for the first hour as we get introduced to Mr Magorium, his assistant Molly, and his amazing toy shop. Anyone expecting a Willie Wonka type character will be sorely disappointed as the Mr Magorium character, played in a surprisingly subdued way by Hoffman, is neither as interesting or as enigmatic as Wonka, in fact he comes across as a little creepy.

Portman if anything has the stronger performance but to be honest she barely gets out of first gear in such a lightweight film. And that's the problem, everyone appears to be just going through the motions, it's all acting by numbers and very unconvincing.

Even the Wonder Emporium itself is strangely understated. I'm sure kids will enjoy the sequences with the Emporium itself, with a huge array of toys coming to life very effectively using a subtle blend of CGI and non-CGI effects. But kids will definitely get bored when the Emporium is not on screen, which, unfortunately, is most of the time.

For a film with such a promising title I'm afraid it fails to deliver any 'wonder' whatsoever, and will undoubtedly bore most children and adults alike.

Very disappointing
Review date: 2008-05-15 Rating: 2 out of 10

I have never watched such a disappointing video. It is not worth either buying or watching. Save your money for something better. Normally I love children's videos, but this was not what I was anticipating.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Dustin Hoffman
Jason Bateman
Natalie Portman
Zach Mills

Creators:
Jason Bateman (Primary Contributor)
Dustin Hoffman (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Icon Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Icon Home Entertainment
EAN: 5051429101347
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-05-12
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 91 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2007
Language: English (Original Language)

Add to Cart

© 2006 Darren Hester, DesignsByDarren.com, Some Rights Reserved.
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional