Dir. Zach Helm, US, 2007, 94mins
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills
Review by Matthew Rodgers Welcome to Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, home of the aforementioned 243-year old store proprietor (Hoffman), his impish employee Molly Mahoney (Portman), the straight laced accountant Henry (Bateman) and a kaleidoscope of kids and toys that exuberantly come to life in a way that would have Toys ‘R’ Us (other toy stores are available) executives panicking……that is, until now.
Telling the wondrous tale of the final few days of Magorium’s tenure, this mad-cap, epilepsy inducing fantasy will not be to everyone’s liking. Too zany for some, with as much substance as the centre of a fully blown piece of bubblegum, that for others will translate as a uniquely mischievous movie with a message.
Much of the enjoyment depends on the receptiveness to Hoffman’s lisping loony, with his high-top hair, constant tics and “riddle me this” rhetoric’s, he could easily frustrate. The joy of the character comes from the quieter, less-manic moments in which Magorium can spout wisdom and emotion that hits home because of the change of pace. Director Zach Helm coaxed a similar performance from him in last years outstanding Stranger Than Fiction, a role in which Hoffman clearly relished the opportunity to have some fun.
Equally enchanting are the supporting players; Natalie Portman’s luminescent, almost elfin qualities are played upon as a kind of Peter-Pan, her determination to leave the store and pursue a more grown-up way of life is a theme echoed in countless kids films. Jason Bateman (The Kingdom) also contributes, grounding the story by being the most accessible character, particularly for any adults struggling to completely buy into the thought of time spent in the Wonder Emporium, his transformation is as likeable and interesting as any of the cast.
They each play their role in an unsuccessful attempt to appeal to a broader demographic than ankle biters, that just muddles an already chaotic movie. Amidst the colours and cuddly toys (of which the sock monkey is adorably cute) Molly is obviously there to inform the audience that “you shouldn’t grow up too fast”, ditto Henry with his “you’re never too old to believe”, and finally the overtly happy Zach (Mills) as a slightly marginalised 9-year-old with a hat fetish who learns that “it’s ok to be different, people will eventually accept you for who you are”. All valid if clichéd staples of a decent kids film handled reasonably well by Helm.
MMWE excels above expectations in the visuals department; much like the store itself each shot is alive with activity and will certainly entertain wandering minds of the younger audience members, as well as worry the pockets of the adults as an entire kids section of a dream mail order catalogue whizzes around the four corners of the screen. The fantastic climatic restoration of the derelict shop is a concerto of colour and comedy as Portman tiptoes between train tracks and conducts CGI rockets is a particular highlight.
Nowhere near as dark, but extremely similar to Lemony Snickert, Mr. Magorium probably wont find its till ringing this Christmas, purely because it’s difficult to see many people being too familiar with the source novel or choosing its odd-ball outlook over the more standard seasonal fare. Those brave enough will be rewarded with a thoroughly entertaining, and sometimes moving family flick.
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