I went into MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM fully expecting to hate it, yet I was left pleasantly surprised by the experience. It utilises the backdrop and narrative of a children's film to explore themes of work, commitment, death, and loyalty, and it does so in an interesting way. The setting is a magical toy shop presided over by a delightful Dustin Hoffman, who steals all of his scenes especially compared to the lacklustre Natalie Portman. I was pleased that the film doesn't overly rely on aimless CGI effects; they are present and they do serve the story, but not at the expensive of the more important film elements. The story is sentimental without being sickeningly so, and it's even quite moving in places. It reminded me of the old-fashioned feel of WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.
Review of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
