Genres

Visitors Review

misterwunderfool 2012-05-25 17:03:28

The Magic of Believing

There is magic everywhere, why can't we control it? My theory is we have traded freedom for safety. There is comfort in knowing rather than not knowing. We exchanged imagination for experience. If you were God, what would you do? Horrifying! Well, really believing, if you can, is reality. And Mr. Magooium believes in his own world of mechanical toys which have an odd personified life of their own. He forgot the cookoo clock.Mr. Magorium as a young man bought enough pairs of shoes to last his entire lifetime--over 200 years, and now at 246 he's down to his last worn pair, so the departing owner of the toyorium decides to leave his magical toy store to his assistant Molly. Golly! Molly doesn't really want the toy store--she's a frustrated piano composer, just working for a living.Is the toy store a magical mirror of the owner? Life can be colorful and exciting nonsense, or it can be dull drab sense. With Mr.Magorium gone why does the toy store look like a colorless, lifeless, junkyard?As Shake-spear said, the fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves.Dustin Hoffman, as Magorium, does his Ed Wynn impersonation. Natalie Portman in the last 10 years has gone from sweet 16 to fairy 26. As we get older we must change our concept of beauty. Jason Bateman has also all grown up and does his Bob Newhart impersonation.The expensive orchestra score has a pretty magical theme and is well-tailored to fit the cut of the film (unusual these days). Ispirium movie. Today, I will try to fly! Ah, no. I already tried that.I think the appeal of these magical movies is that they are non-dogmatic and encourage imagination rather than reason. As Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge". Is there any difference?

Brian B-2 2012-05-24 21:15:10

If You Believe in Magic...

...then this wonderfully uplifting tale of the power of imagination isextraordinary.From music to lighting, to set decoration, all of the elements cometogether in a lighthearted tale that should not be overlooked.Dustin Hoffman, as Magorium, is a trifle too precious, but this is morethan made up for by the spot on casting and performance of NataliePortman as Molly Mahoney. She brings just the right balance of elfinenthusiasm and borderline adulthood to the crucial role. Zach Mills asEric,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 reminderof the need to live life with joy and gusto, to play every day, andmake the world a brighter place.

DarkVulcan29 2012-05-24 00:06:25

Natalie Portman's performance makes this a forgetful film of 2007.

I'm sorry Natalie, I think you're a wonderful actress, but yourperformance in this film to me, did not win any raves, and no Oscarnomination either. I think the writer of the film decided it would be agood idea to combine Toy Story(1995) and Night At The Museum(2006)together. And it sounded like it, and I was hoping for somethingincredibly entertaining. But what I got was a magical tale, with lessinteresting characters. Except for the Dustin Hoffman character, whoacts like he came out of a Bugs Bunny cartoon, but the Natalie Portmancharacter really makes this unwatchable, I mean her mistreatment of theJason Bateman character, really made me dislike her. Maybe he wassupposed to be a jerk, but the writer did not make his character enoughof a jerk, to the point he would get much resentment and sarcasm fromher. The store may have been magical, but the people in it not so.

MacC 2012-05-23 05:02:24

Depressing Movie

I took 2 children to this movie expecting a delightful , uplifting family film. All three of us cried several times. I found the movies dark & sad...not at all what the previews portray.

2012-05-23 21:45:59

It Tries to be Wonderful, but It Turns Out to be Just a Movie

Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is well over 200 years old. He owns a magical toy store in New York City. And when I say magical, I do mean magical. The toys come alive and play with the kids. There is even a door of rooms controlled by a dial to find the room you want. Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman) is the store manager, a former piano virtuoso ready to get back to her music career. Mr. Magorium doesn't pay any attention to her, however, but brings in a mutant. Okays, so it's really an accountant, but he figures the word derived from mutant at some point. Henry Weston (Jason Bateman) is hired to find out just how much the store is worth. See, Mr. Magorium has not kept records at all. Fortunately, he has saved every receipt along the way. Yet it's Eric Applebaum (Zach Mills), a nine year old hat collector with no friends, who first notices the problem. A wall of the store is turning dark and bubbling. Could Mr. Magorium's decision to leave be causing the problem? Will the store react poorly if he follows through? This movie was marketed as a fun comedy fantasy. From those ads, I was really looking forward to seeing it. Unfortunately, the movie is much more serious then I was led to believe it would be. While the theme of believing in yourself is wonderful, the melancholy tone made parts of it sadder then I was looking for.Despite the disappointment in tone, there is much to praise. There were several funny sight gags and great lines. Most of these were in the previews, however. This accountant got a huge kick out of the characters continually calling Henry "Mutant." And don't miss Kermit the Frog's wonderful cameo. This movie wasn't the special effects extravaganza I was expecting, but what was there was great. And the acting was top notch. All four of the leads made their characters absolutely believable. Special praise has to go to Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Magorium. He made the movie work. I think if I had walked into this film knowing what to expect, I would have enjoyed it. But since the movie wasn't what I wanted, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I'd give the movie 3.5 stars if I could. It's a decent film as long as you are expecting a darker kid's film.

2012-05-22 23:25:52

Entertaining

This review is from: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Widescreen Edition) (DVD) A funny entertaining movie with Dustin Hoffman. Engaging for all ages. For Dustin Hoffman fans, a lighter side of him. Natalie Portman is great in this movie as well as exciting.

2012-05-17 03:35:54

EXCELLENT!!

This movie is absolutely fantasic! And the service getting it delivered to me was wonderful!

2012-05-16 17:45:17

Good, not great...

After seeing this film, I finally understand why it didn't do so well at the box office. While there is a lot to recommend this movie to children, there isn't much here for adults. When it came to it, I was reminded of Nanny McPhee versus Mary Poppins. Nanny McPhee was a fun little movie, but it just didn't have the "magic" that Poppins had, and neither does Magorium match up to the wonder of Willy Wonka. That said, it was an entertaining movie overall and I'm glad I saw it, but just as glad I didn't buy the DVD.Mr. Magorium has decided it is time to depart, and wants an accountant to tell him the value of his store before he leaves it to his assistant, Mahoney. The accountant, of course, manages to miss all the magic that happens in the store. And the film wastes no time throwing the audience into the bright colors and wackiness that a living toy store, imbued with the spirit of children, must have. There is a huge book out of which toys magically appear, a door that has a special dial to change what's on the other side, a room with the biggest dodge ball on earth - no one can dodge it! - a shelf full of stuffed toys literally reaching out to the people passing by (including one adorable sock monkey), and through it all Dustin Hoffman smiles benevolently upon the children. Hoffman plays the part a little too over the top, but still manages to retain his charm. But, there is no plot beyond this simple premise. Mahoney is distraught when she learns Magorium's leaving and the store itself throws a temper tantrum. Yet, there is an uplifting message behind it all that made this movie worth seeing.Mahoney believes in the magic of the store, whole-heartedly. Yet, she doesn't truly believe in herself. The accountant gets befriended by a boy who collects hats, and together they must convince her she does have the magic to keep the store going. This is a great film for younger children that are ready to move past animated films. The CGI and special effects are pretty good, and the characters are all likeable. Overall, I recommend seeing this film, but potential buyers should consider who they are buying it for.

2012-05-13 21:01:21

Real delight

This review is from: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Widescreen Edition) (DVD) What a delightful movie. All of us, from 7 year old granddaughter to 69 year old and several inbetween, loved the film.

2012-05-13 05:32:07

Good Movie

This review is from: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) Well, my family likes this. It's gotten so-so (or worse) reviews, but we find it quite enjoyable. And the Blu-Ray version looks and sounds great.

2012-05-07 09:04:58

Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium

This review is from: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Widescreen Edition) (DVD) The movie in the case was not the correct movie. It was 101 Dalmations. I have contacted the seller with the necessary information to correct this mistake, but at this time I have not gotten a satisfactory reply or the correct movie has not been sent.

2012-05-07 06:49:43

A "WONDER" for us all!

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. That being said. Please disregard garbage opinions such as the one that states this movie "sucks". First off, nice use of language young lady. Secondly, this movie in no way, shape or form is bad. The acting is superb. A great cast. Really phenomenal story line as well. The movie follows a great line of not showing too much magic and allowing viewers to use their own creativity and imagination with it. I am a mom of three who is not really a fan of movies. However, this movie has captivated my children and myself in so many ways. I literally can and do watch it over and over again with my 3 year old and 7 year old. My husband and I really enjoy it as well. Well written, well directed and very well acted. One we will enjoy as a family for some time to come. Thank you for making a wholesome movie the entire family can enjoy.

cbutcher318 2012-05-05 13:37:47

It held my interest, but faltered in the final act.

I watched this film with avid anticipation. I love the actors involved.What I saw was an inspired world, beautifully designed and thought of.But the directors lack of experience showed. The film faltered on manylevels throughout, the story and acting was strong enough to keep meinterested, but the final act was enough to make me mad. I can'timagine being mad after a film like this, but the climax, well designedas a story, fell inexplicable flat. It honestly made me mad. I wouldn'twatch this film, I truly wasted my time. The worst is that I had highexpectations, I would have lived happier with the dream that this was adescent movie.

Tdi7457 2012-05-05 03:11:00

Spoof Of Willy Wonka

Welcome to Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, the strangest, mostfantastic, most wonderful toy store in the world. It's a tantalizingtoy haven in which everything inside literally comes to life ?including the store itself ? and where marvels of every imaginable,possible kind, and beyond, never cease... that is, until now.When Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman), the store's extraordinary 243year-old proprietor, announces that he will at long last hand over thereigns of his wonder-expanding store to his unconfident young manager,Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman), the store decides to throw an unusualtantrum. As a skeptical accountant named Henry (Jason Bateman) comes into audit the Legos® and Lincoln Logs®, not to mention the Whodathoughtsand Whatchamacallits, the once sparkling, color-saturated Emporium issuddenly embattled by mysterious changes. The playful toys are allstill there, but they've turned gray and quiet ? and only Mahoney andHenry can revive them if, with the help of a superdexterous 9 year-old(Zach Mills), they can find the source of magic inside themselves. Mr.Magorium's Wonder Emporium 2/10

xerxerxex-1 2012-04-27 04:32:11

For the child still inside your heart, this is a delightful film.

I watched this film expecting a bland edition of "Charlie and theChocolate Factory" couldn't be more wrong. What starts off as a simplekids film quickly changes into a happy dramatic(Somewhat) masterpiece.If the child is still pulling the strings in your heart you will not bedisappointed in the slightest. Dustin Hoffman stars a magical, quarky, odd, and eccentric Mr.Magorium. Magorium an owner a magical Toy store, and a good friendtowards adults and kids alike is by far a great performance. He gavethe character a great sense of purpose. His acting is supreme.Natalie Portman stars as Molly Mohane an aspiring pianist with anincredible sense of humor, and many quarks. Mahone is struggling in herattempts to write a musical piece. Ms. Portmans acting is perfect.One scene in particular made me smile, a beeming one. Mahone andMagorium spend a day together, their first stop on this adventure is ata bed store, where Magorium and Mahoney yell "Triskidekaphobia" andjump on the stores beds which will force you to smile. Another is whenMshoney has Magorium dance on Bubble wrap the musical notes that followthis scene shows true talent in the films composer. The scene (Spoileralert!!!) Where Magorium's time is up, is beyond all words, the musicis beautiful and dramatic, he goes with a flourish, it will no matterwhat make you sad, but smile at the same time!This film will remind you what it was like being a kin believing inmagic and the fact that anything is possible you know the good Ole daysbefore becoming an adult, in my opinion that is great. If your lookingfor a smile feast this is your film! I'm 18 and I absolutely adoredthis film. See it!

lindad 2012-04-26 09:16:55

Sad Movie

NOT A HAPPY MOVIE, All in theater cried coming out as not as portrayed in clips on TV. Not a child's movie; deals with adult themes of death and personal growth.. Visuals good of TOY store.Would not recommend this movie, depressing even though ending supposedly uplifting NOT making up for the sadness.

2012-04-25 05:00:48

Simply lovely.

I am now 18 and I went and saw this with my 17 year old best friend. We both truly enjoyed this movie. It is so rare to find a cute movie that doesn't have anything objectionable in it. I strongly recomend it to anyone looking for a good laugh and a cute movie.

K RR 2012-04-24 22:41:00

Magicial and Moving Movie

I took my children and my parents to this movie and it was wonderful...it was totally G-rated and I didn't have to worry about violence, sex,or bad language. The theme was simple but ever so sweet and all of usthoroughly enjoyed the movie and were touched by story's theme of thesweetness of life, the various stages of life, and the value of lifeand even death. The movie was delightfully cast. The creative use oflanguage has stayed with my children and parents and we have laughedand quoted the movie over the past two weeks. I highly recommend thismovie to anyone who wants an hour and a half to enjoy life's sweetermoments. Thanks to Hollywood for producing such a relaxing andenjoyable movie.

mmss4 2012-04-20 01:41:00

1 star is awful and awful this stinker is!

The voting tab says 1 is awful and awful this movie is. After viewingit I walked it over to the trash can-truth-then remembered that ayounger member of the family hadn't seen it. Lucky them. After viewingthis I felt badly about the time wasted. I'm glad I didn't buy thisturkey, someone bought it used and gave it to us in a box of stuff.Where it should have stayed! I came here to read the comments and theyconfirm that I'm not alone in my criticism of all concerned with thismovie. Except poor Jason Bateman, maybe. Did he feel or see what washappening during the filming? My last two comments about the movie,Dustin Hoffman was ripping off the late, great Ed Wynn with that accentand lisp, and it still came out Rainman. And, it was a magical toystore with unique toys, so, the owner is stocking the shelves withMatchbox cars? Now that is funny!

Igenlode Wordsmith 2012-04-19 14:13:31

May have had more promise at script stage

I admit to ulterior motives.I had no particular hopes for this film; I arranged to escort a childto see it (in fact, persuaded him that he wanted to see it) purely andsimply because I happened to have heard that it included a BusterKeaton marionette, and my life has been a little short of Keatonrecently. Completely insane, I freely acknowledge, but I paid nothingfor my ticket, went in expecting nothing, and got... well, pretty muchnothing, I have to confess.Child and I agreed on the way home that the pacing seems to be a bitwrong; the film bills itself almost from the opening moment as beingall about the consequences of Mr Magorium's death, but the man takesalmost three-quarters of the running time just to get round to dying,by which time there really isn't a lot of time left for a plot todevelop in. In fact, the proportion of plot to special effects seemsmore than a little slender... It's not a bad film as such, and fallsslightly on the positive side of indifference, but I couldn't care muchabout any of the characters as shown.Overall I have an uncomfortable feeling that this may have been one ofthose films that looked really good at the script stage; it has offbeatpotential and might have ended up with cult appeal, but the result asultimately filmed is oddly lacking. Different director? Different cast?Different production studio? Who knows? It's not the predictableromance it might have been (or at least not explicitly), but it'sover-sweet and sadly lacking in substance. There are scenes that couldbe good in a slightly different context -- for example, the actualdeath sequence is unsentimental and as a result quite touching -- butthe film is all but lacking in the emotional resonance that might havemade the better bits work.And ironically, it lacks magic: real magic of theaudience/cinema-created kind, not of the animated toys on screen sort.I saw the critically-panned "Return to Oz"(1985) on televisionimmediately before watching "Mr Magorium", and the former isunquestionably a far more powerful and convincing fantasy, let alonefilm.But I did get to see my marionette Keaton cameo...