Titreenp
SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?
ChicRawIdol
A brilliant film that helped define a genre
Borgarkeri
A bit overrated, but still an amazing film
eolas_pellor
People who dislike this film miss the point of it, I think. It isn't a modern wry take on a children's movie, it is a children's story. But, if you just forget the idea that a kids movie should have jokes aimed at the adults, it's surprisingly good. Natalie Portman shows great acting chops, and is a great foil for Dustin Hoffman. The script and the cinematography is excellent, without any noticeable lags. And much of the story works very well on an adult level; ultimately we all have to find our spark; ultimately we all have to leave, at some point. I have used this film as an assignment for students in Careers class, because it helps them realize that the things that prepare us for one career over another are often very subtle and easy to miss. Much like this film, itself.
henryhertzhobbit
Please excuse me. I like seeing this movie, Oliver's Ghost, Ice Dreams, Chariots of Fire and others. Yes, I watch them every time they come on. It whisks me away from a world of hell to some place else where something good happens. None of these movies are going to win academy awards. If you don't like the movie stow it me maties. For me this movie is a pleasant little movie that makes my life a little bit less of a hell.But this movie is special. If I was a child in a hospital facing the prospect of death I would like a visit from a cat or a dog snuggling up at my feet on the bed and watching Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. It is a special movie that always brings a smile to my face. What is wrong with that? If it is not your cup of tea then go drink something else. It never fails to lift my spirits.
mike48128
Not based on a book and written by the director, the plot is cute enough but seems quite familiar. A magical toy shop that seems to borrow from many other imperfect holiday/Christmas movies like "Santa Clause", "Willie Wonka" and "Santa Claus-the Movie". The first half is magical, as the wonders of the toy shop are revealed. (It's like "Duncan's Toy Chest" in "Home Alone 2", only even nicer.) Dustin Hoffman's fake "accent" seems borrowed from Ed Wynn. I guess the reason they didn't make him up to look 243 years old is because this isn't a horror movie. He looks about "90ish". So Mr. M is finally tired out and has "run out of shoes". He is moving on. (No actual mention of Heaven, but it's strongly implied.) Natale Portman is the cute waifish-looking shop manager who doesn't believe in her own magical abilities. The plot is quite obvious: she and her supporting cast are going to end up running the toy store when Mr. M. leaves. The movie is charming and often plays on both the Disney and Hallmark Channels. Is it a classic? No; but it will be thoroughly enjoyed by young children and it is totally without violence, and these days that's a rare treat in children's movies. The toy shop is truly magical, and it is as much a character in the film as any of the actors. There is even an uncredited cameo appearance by Kermit-The-Frog!
classicsoncall
Realizing that there are movie viewers out there that hate even a classic like "The Wizard of Oz", I fully expected to see some negative reviews for this film as well. I don't get where all the vitriol comes from. I certainly wouldn't put Mr. Magorium in Wizard of Oz territory, but for what it sets out to do it's a whimsical and fun picture. Those who fault it because certain elements don't work in their eyes, the Congreve Cube for example, need to lighten up a bit because the film never pretends to be a masterpiece of movie making. It's got a simple message of believing in one's self, with the magic that follows a result of one's effort, creativity and single mindedness. Dustin Hoffman is professional enough to pull off any kind of role, but since he had the lead here, I wonder how many reviewers would have had an entirely different opinion of the picture if Jim Carrey had the lead. I got a kick out of the way Jason Bateman's character 'just' took to his Mutant nickname, and Natalie Portman surprised with her range of emotion and an ability to turn on a dime when the situation called for it. The kid Zach Mills was pretty good too, I liked that scene when he was communicating with the Mutant behind the glass. All in all a fun film, very colorful, and a refreshing turn from most recent fare in it's appeal to all members of the family.
