Fridae

The problem with Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium is that it's simply not that wonderful. Despite a fabulous cast that includes Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman, this fantasy film for kids doesn't offer anything new to the audiences. The story is old, the special effects are boring, the soundtrack is bland, and the overall effect is one-tenth of the magic of Tim Burton's Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. A film like this may entertain kids in the 1980s. But in this day and age, it can only generate zzzz.

Dustin Hoffman plays Mr Magorium, the owner of a magical toy store where you'll find giant-sized balls, toy planes that fly on their own, and cuddly animal toys that come to life. Natalie Portman plays the young manager of this wonderful store where hundreds of kids throng the aisles everyday. But in her heart of hearts, she longs to be a concert pianist and classical composer. Through Mr Magorium magic, the humble store manager slowly learns to believe in herself again...

Dull and undramatic, Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a complete disappointment.