Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium / Night at Museum / Nim's Island

This 2007 tale is aimed mostly at kids, but there is plenty for adults to see. Starring the veteran Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Magorium, owner of the fantastic toy store, Wonder Emporium, situated in downtown New York city, it also has Natalie Portman as Molly Mahoney, the store's manager and former piano prodigy. Supporting the story is the able Jason Bateman as Henry Weston, an accountant ("the mutant") hired to do an appraisal of the store's worth. Young Zach Mills plays Eric Applebaum, a lonely 9-year-old kid who frequents the store and has trouble making friends.The story isn't complex, and it has a several simple messages. Too often we have dreams as young children and teens that we end up giving up on under the guise of "being responsible." Taking care of your obligations is important! But so are faith and belief! Yes, the film is not realistic, but it's not meant to be. When we grow up, we have to become responsible, but we can take time to appreciate those bits of wonder that ask us to relax for a couple of hours. A few of the gags are silly, but if you liked "The Neverending Story" (the first one, not those sad excuses for sequels!), then I believe you will enjoy this movie.

Dustin Hoffman plays Mr. Edward Magorium, the owner of the magical toy store rightfully named Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. I'm not a huge fan of the movie because of the magic. It's not the witty lines, the family-friendliness or even the character I identify most with, Natalie Portman's Molly Mahoney. It's Mr. Magorium.Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman) I identify most with Molly Mahoney because she also plays piano. The song she knew best as a child is still, today, the only song she can perform. She feels stuck - or unable to go further with her talent, skills, etc. in life. She believes more in others than herself. She has a very difficult time saying goodbye. I share all of this with Mahoney so that when Mr. Magorium is there for her, it feels like he's speaking to me too.Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) Mr. Magorium is 243 years old and preparing to "depart." He explains that a light bulb dies, but he...shall depart. A beautiful way to look at a sad situation. He plans to give the toy store to Mahoney upon his departure, but Mahoney simply can't take the responsibility because she doesn't believe in herself. Mr. Magorium spends a good amount of time encouraging Mahoney and Eric (a shy, hat-collecting boy who struggles making friends but helps out at the store). He tries to impart wisdom and encouragement to them both so they will believe in themselves and embrace the bravery he knows they need in life's journey. I cry when Mr. Magorium departs. My heart pours from my tear ducts and I can't help but feel sad. When Mr. Magorium is saying his farewell to Mahoney, he explains:"When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He's written "He dies." That's all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is "He dies." It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with "He dies." And yet every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know it's only natural to be sad, but not because of the words "He dies." but because of the life we saw prior to the words.I've lived all five of my acts, Mahoney, and I am not asking you to be happy that I must go. I'm only asking that you turn the page, continue reading... and let the next story begin. And if anyone asks what became of me, you relate my life in all its wonder, and end it with a simple and modest 'He died.'" His final line to Mahoney is, "Your life is an occasion. Rise to it." By this point, I'm an emotional wreck. I've watched this movie a thousand times, and it was just recently I finally figured out why it is that I can't accept the departure of Mr. Magorium or any of my loved ones in real life. I can't imagine a world without my loved ones in it - the world is the magical place it is because they're here, now, with me. I can't make up for their absence and can't recreate the magic they've blessed the world with. The idea of them no longer living life with me is overwhelming and I'm not ready to accept it. I'm not sure if I ever will be, but I know I will always turn to this movie in difficult times to find a spark of encouragement, a light of hope and a few rays of sunshine to part my dark clouds."We must face tomorrow, whatever it may hold, with determination, joy and bravery."-Mr. Edward Magorium (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium)

Great movie

This movie has such amazing dialogue and heartfelt acting, you can't help but feel like a starry eyed kid again. This film is magical and delightful, yet hard hitting when it comes to moving on past life's obstacles. It's a film for adults and children, the comical and serious. Your heart yearns for the characters and you can't help but want the toys to live on forever. When my visual arts assignment called for us to sketch out a story board of a 30 second film scene, I chose Mr. Magorium's full departing monologue to Mahoney which resulted in covering a several minute scene through story board. My class had never seen the film except my professor who started crying when he saw my drawings. I offered to play the film scene on youtube for the class, and afterwards, the whole class was crying. Many went out to see the film afterwards and said they loved it. I highly recommend this film for anyone who needs a boost up in life, needs comfort and reassurance, and needs a reminder that they matter in this crazy world. Love it for its fun and beautiful scenes, treasure it because its underlying message was written for you.

great movie for kids

unfortunately I must have mistakenly ordered incorrect disc as we are unable to watch in our region.

Pour les inconditionnels de Dustin Hofman, le voici dans un rôle plein d'imaginaire qui ravira les petits comme les grands. Un joli conte bien sympathique.

Un très bon film qui surprend par sa réalisation ! Natalie Portman prouve à nouveau qu'elle sait s'adapter à tous les rôles !

A gentle film aimed (I suppose) at kids or family viewing. A film that takes a serious look at our reactions to death in an inoffensive manner. Some one has put a lot of thought into the scripting of the film as well as who would act in it. The special effects are generally low key and work well in the film.I've watched it a couple of times, now, and see it as a little treasure suitable for the youngest of kids as well as those much older.

good wholesome family entertainment, Dustin Hoffmann is excellent as Mr Magorium and the rest of the cast follow suit. if you like a good family film then this is for you.