Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

“Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium,” starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, contains all of the wonder and magic a child can want – even an adult. However, this adult would have preferred a stronger narrative and a more convincing resolution to the conflict. The story, narrated by winsome 9-year-old Eric Applebaum (Zach Mills), is divided into various chapters of a book, which means the plot line is not as strong as it could be. The concept, though, is a good one: The 243-year-old proprietor of a magical toy store, Mr. Magorium (Hoffman) is, like King Lear, ready to name his successor. He intends to leave the store to his manager, Molly Mahoney (Portman), an aspiring classical pianist. Molly refuses his bequest, believing that she cannot keep the magic alive once he is gone. The resolution is not really developed and seems superficial. Nonetheless, when you are in this ‘Wonder Emporium,’ you are just as fascinated as any child. (11/18/07)