Le Merveilleux Magasin de Mr. Magorium

I will admit to being surprised at how many people claimed that this lighthearted tale was a snoozer. If you or your children were bored, how sad for you. While this is not action-packed nor animated, it's filled with subtly delightful moments and a sense of whimsy. Unfortunately these qualities are lost on the those who are so conditioned for immediate gratification and messages that are as subtle as a flying brick. Well, too bad for you.

While far from a cinematic masterpiece, my family and I found this thoroughly enjoyable. Dustin Hoffman is a master at fully inhabiting a character and making you believe that he *is* that person. Portman was less than captivating, strangely, and Bateman was a bit wooden. The performance from Zach Mills was terrific, however. And the store was a place I would have spent a lot of time in as a boy.

And speaking as a husband and father of two, I was not bored at any point during this movie. And I'm a pretty typical red-blooded-sports-fanatic American male. I just haven't lost my ability to enjoy a flight of fantasy every once in a while.

Give this movie a chance if you've got any sense of magic left inside of you.

Oh, and to "luckyunicorn" who took umbrage with the line "You just have to believe in yourself", questioning "Who talks like this?", I would have you know that I say this to my girls all the time. Because it's the truth.

...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.

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.

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.

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