Mr. Magorium e la bottega delle meraviglie

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.

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

My husband and I brought our 4 year old daughter to see this movie last night. We'd already seen (and ADORED) THE BEE MOVIE, and nothing else seemed age appropriate. Despite horrible reviews, we gave it a shot.

I loved this movie. It's not often that a kid's movie can move me to tears, but this one had a powerful (yet simple) message...LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT.

My daughter was bored to the point of BEGGING us to leave. This from a kid who sees movie-going as the ultimate treat. While it was visually stimulating overall, there could have been more in the way of special effects.

Jason Bateman was surprisingly good in his role as the accounting mutant. Some of the most moving moments in the film were created by little more than the expression on his face.

Natalie Portman was radiant and lovable and...androgynous? ;) She could easily have been mistaken for a thirteen year old boy throughout most of the film, to the point where it seemed that she had her chest bound up to appear that way. But it's not about the boobies, and it's not a romantic love story, which I greatly appreciated.

No sex. No violence. No profanity. My husband hated it.

There is love...lots of love. Pure love. The kind of love you feel when you're a child, and your mind has not yet been bogged down with the soul-crushing stress of adult responsibility.

This movie is a nice kick-in-the-pants for anybody who needs to be reminded that you don't have to be a kid to see the potential in yourself and the world around you. You just have to relax a little and believe in magic.

I took my family to watch this movie, and really enjoyed it! My three year old was captivated throughout the movie as was my 10 year old daughter. I thought Justin Bateman did a great job with his character and the Special effects were top notch. Of course the story was fantastical, but I go to see these movies to escape reality for awhile, and this is a great one to share with the family. I had read some negative reviews prior to seeing the movie, but I decided to see it for myself. After seeing the movie, I feel that some of the previous reviews I read were unfair and in some cases a little mean spirited and thus not really helpful. Lastly, while watching the movie, I noted that many people were laughing and making joyful comments at some of the details they were noticing, and, the audience applauded at the end.

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!