Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet magical tale will feed kids' toy cravings.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film appeals to both kids and adults with its whimsical elements and good messages about friendship and life, it ultimately struggles with pacing and depth, leaving some viewers wanting more. The charming visuals and heartwarming themes are appreciated, but the storytelling may not fully engage younger audiences or those seeking more dynamic content.
- whimsical appeal
- family friendly
- strong visuals
- pacing issues
- mixed responses
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 10 kid reviews
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?
There's definitely plenty here to captivate kids' imaginations. 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. It has a lot of strengths -- a talented cast, a fabulous set, impressive special effects -- though it somehow doesn't quite add up to a true childhood classic.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 15, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : March 3, 2008
- Cast : Dustin Hoffman , Jason Bateman , Natalie Portman , Zach Mills
- Director : Zach Helm
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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