Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)

Amazing that a film like this could be made today

The most magical thing about this film is that it was made. It is a movie that isn't about anything except the joys we all overlook. Yes there is death but that comes to us all, whether we are willing to admit it or not. But this had positive things to say about not only the end of stories but about how sometimes the begins are much more dificult than those ends. It was lovely and kind and pleasant in an innocent way that I haven't seen on the screen in a very very long time. There was no meanness or anger or sarcasm, just a joy in a pair of journeys, one ending and one begining. This film will move people who want to be moved, to find those parts of ourselves we as adults have worked so hard to lose. September 10, 2008

Fabulous movie for kids!

When this movie was in theatres I read the reviews and they were horrible...we decided to skip it.
My daughter (5 years old) wanted to rent it the other day - and after watching it consistently over two weeks (we had late fees!), we'll be buying it. She absolutely loves it! Both my husband and I found it very charming. While adults who are looking for an intelligent adult movie may say disparaging things about it, if you view it through the eyes of a child, it is truly magical! It deals with life, death and self-worth/ esteem in a beautifully sensitive manner, easily understandable by young children.
I think it's a great movie for kids under 13 or 14 :) September 8, 2008

Whimsical fantasy.

Wow! would you look at Dustin Hoffman. A pretty good young persons movie, and not bad for an adult either. Typical as the genre goes - something like, but nothing like Willie of Wonker fame. Hoffman so reminds me of a 40's comedian whose name I just can't come up with. This movie is filled with wondrous things, crazy things, and a pretty good story too. A good ending. I liked it. The kids are sure to as well, however, it's not magical like say, "Potter" is, and with toned down graphics. Closer to 3 stars. September 5, 2008

Heart-warming

I thought this movie was touching and heart-warming and funny. My grandson loved it. I highly recommend for family viewing. September 2, 2008

Grows on you

This is not a movie for those who expect the world to be complex and sensible. With a title that rhymes like that, what would you expect beside the magical sweetness that just happens to be accepted by the world? I was quickly drawn in by this storybook world where the bizarre and quirky is just a way of life and no one thinks much more of it. Throw in a beautiful message of finding yourself, and I was pleasantly engrossed in this heartfelt tale.

Mr. Magorium is a very old inventor (several centuries) who has not only helped a few famous souls out there but has managed to create a magical toy store. However, he feels it is time to pass from this world. It seems to be pretty much his decision and he seems perfectly fine with it, and I found that to be an interesting look at death.

However, the store's manager Molly is a young woman who still hasn't quite figured out her place in the world. It's pretty shocking to her to learn that her beloved boss plans to die and leave her in charge when she has no idea who she is and only has a hat-collecting boy with no friends his own age and a workaholic accountant as her only companions.

Mr. Magorium is positive she'll do fine, with a little encouragement, and thus pours out a sweet story about finding the best in yourself.

It wasn't what I expected, and that's not a bad thing, especially when I realized the plot was deeper than a toy store romp.

I don't think the characters other than Mr. Magorium were as realized as they could have been, but they were still a far cry from two-dimensional bimbos and it did leave room for some proper growth.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at the story's charming simplicity and message. Nothing wildly exceptional, but it held its own in the way of family movies. August 31, 2008

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