Mr Magorium s Wonder Emporium - Family Movie Review

Movie Mama Rating: 4 out of 5

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zachary Mills, Ted Ludzik
Directed By: Zach Helm
Running Time: 1 hr. 34 min.
MPAA Rating: G

Mr. Magorium is a fantastical man who owns a magical toy store in New York City. When he learns that he is about to die, he begins to get his affairs in order. He hires an accountant to balance the books (which hasn't ever been done) and to decide how much the store is worth. Meanwhile, he decides to bequeath the store to its manager, Molly Mahoney. But Mahoney, a struggling pianist, wants more out of her life than owning a toy store. She wants to be a composer, but she can't seem to finish her first work. When Mr. Magorium informs her that he will soon "depart this world," Mahoney thinks he is joking, and tries everything in her power to convince him to stay and continue running the store. What ensues is a quirky adventure of extraordinary proportions, one that will make you laugh and cry.

Some may feel that Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a dark and depressing film. I couldn't disagree more. Although it isn't fluff entertainment, it isn't depressing either. The color and life this film paints on screen made me see my world shining all the brighter. The cast of characters are far from stereotypical. Everyone can identify with someone in the film, which makes it brilliant storytelling. Mahoney (Natalie Portman) is a 20-something, who feels stuck. She's graduated college, but just can't seem to get any further in her life. She knows she's meant for something big, but just can't seem to recognize her true talents. Eric Applebaum (Zachary Mills) is a shy, but highly imaginative child who has trouble making friends. As a result, he often plays by himself. The accountant, Henry (Jason Bateman), represents the working adult. He has given up on imagination long ago and he doesn't have time for play--he is forever working. And Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) mirrors the silly side in all of us--the part of us that just never grew up. With so many heart-felt performances and identifiable roles, I have a hard time seeing a reason why any child or discernible film-lover would dislike this movie.

Yes, it is quirky. Think Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Only, this film deals with death instead of shameful parenting. Mr. Magorium, as well as Eric, seem to take the idea of death very well, while Mahoney isn't ready for a change that monumental. She loves Mr. Magorium as a sort of father-figure and finds it difficult to picture her life without him. With Mr. Magorium gone, Mahoney will have to spread her own wings and begin to write her own story. I think everyone faces this moment in their lives with some resistance, just as Mahoney does. That is what makes this film so lovely. The characters make up one very odd family, but they are beautiful nonetheless. Themes of love and faith are consistently woven throughout the film.

It was the quirky details that made me adore this movie, like how Mahoney is always playing the piano in her head. The beautiful and somewhat haunting melodies that she envisions are brought to life through the musical soundtrack if you listen carefully. The accountant is bestowed with the name "Mutant" throughout the film. This is because Mr. Magorium had no idea what an accountant was. He assumed it was some kind of "counting mutant" and so the name stuck. And cute little Eric is a collector of hats and he wears a different one every day.

As far as content, I could not find anything offensive in this film. It is rated G and rightfully so. There are no scary scenes, no potty humor, no innuendos, etc.

OVERALL

Like I said, it isn't fluff entertainment. If you're looking for a film without meaning, look elsewhere. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a heart-felt film--one that I'll be enjoying right alongside my children.

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