 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
- Review Date: March 3, 2008
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Sweet magical tale will feed kids' toy cravings.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sweet, family-friendly fantasy is brimming with product placement, though most of it's in context (you can't really make a movie about a magic toy store without toys...). Plus, the positive messages about friendship, trust, finding your potential, and believing in yourself overshadow most of the branding. There isn't any violence, but the store does throw a temper tantrum that sends toys flying after patrons (the red walls also fade to gray, and the toys lose their spark and color). A significant death, while presented in an idealized way to fit in with the tone of the film, is handled gently and poignantly; there are some sad scenes, but it's peaceful overall (though really young kids may need further explanation of how death really works). A young boy is looked at as a loner and has trouble making friends with other kids.
What's the story?
Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman), the 243-year-old owner of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, has decided that his time in the store has run its course. He attempts to hand his life's work over to his manager, Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman) -- to both her dismay and that of the store itself. The magic building proceeds to throw something of a temper tantrum -- toys caroming off the shelves, walls fading from vibrant red to sad gray. Meanwhile, stuffy accountant Henry (Jason Bateman), a non-believer in all things magic, has been brought in to help get Mr. Magorium's finances in order so he can leave the store in good standing. With a little help from Mahoney and 9-year-old resident loner/store-clerk Eric (Zach Mills), Henry finds that life doesn't have to be all work and no play.
Is it any good?
With a central character who feels a lot like a kiddie version of one of Tim Burton's quirky creations, Zach Helm's MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM is a fun movie that will delight young kids -- and leave their parents fielding requests for lots of holiday toys (preferably magic ones). The unlikely friendships formed in the film create a story filled with magical wonderment and strong messages about believing in yourself and others.
But while the movie has some exceptionally sweet and tender moments, it falls short on really delivering the magic that's referred to so often in characters' conversations throughout the film. Despite the fact that all of the movie's strengths -- a talented cast, a fabulous set, impressive special effects -- somehow don't quite add up to a true childhood classic, there's definitely plenty here to captivate kids' imaginations.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about product placement and commercial tie-ins. Did your kids notice how many toys were featured in the movie? Why were some more obvious than others? Where else have your kids noticed ads and other marketing for this movie? Also, why do you think Eric felt that he was different than the other kids? Did your child relate to his character? Families can also use the movie as an opportunity to talk about death. What does it mean? How do you cope with it? Is dying always sad? Why or why not? How is it different in real life than the way it is in the movie?
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AGE
Wait for the DVD
This movie looked better in the previews. It was cute and sweet and had some cool magical effects with the toys and the toy shop which were fun to watch and I know my 5 yr olds enjoyed. The movie had too much of an adult theme - the toy shop owner dying, an accountant coming in to do the books, the owner leaving the shop to Natalie Portman's character - all of it was a little too much dialog for kids and I think those parts were boring for them. More magic, less talk = would have been a better movie. They did like it but didn't love it. The death scene was done beautifully and appropriately for a G movie.
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AGE
Sweet movie with good messages about life
This was a fun, sweet movie. The magically store will really attract your kid's attention. The store expresses it's sadness as Mr. Magorium plans to 'depart', so be prepared to discuss death with your child. The subject is handled very well, however. I also liked the relationship between the adult and child who both needed friends in their lives.
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AGE
pretty and fun in parts but story lacking
This movie wasnt worth the money for mom and 4 year old. Neither were impressed. The story didn't hold our interest.
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AGE
Waste of time
What could have been a wonderfully delightful movie really fell flat and had my kids asking me "Is that it? Is there any more to it?" There were a couple of interesting scenes, but for the most part they were like an oasis in the desert. If they would have developed the storyline or plot better it wouldn't have been such a flat movie. Nothing objectionable at all - just a movie my kids never wanted to watch even a second time.
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AGE
kid-friendly and plenty of fun for the family.
Fantastic movie that any one no matter what age can watch. SPOILER: kids learn how to deal with the death of a person who was close to them when Mr. Mogorium dies. Positive messages make up the movie, and all the employees of the emporiom are good role models.
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AGE
stupid
most worst movie ever me and my friend went he asked how much longer
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | Zach Helm |
| Cast: | Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman, Natalie Portman, Zach Mills |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 94 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 15, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | March 3, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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