Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman (Actors). (2008). 20th Century Fox. Rated G. B00128VA76

PLOT SUMMARY

Mr. Magorium owns a magical toy shop and after 243 years, is finally ready to "depart" the living world, and he hires an accountant to take care of his financial affairs before this happens. His store manager Molly Mahoney is unsure of who she is and what she can do to achieve her potential, and when she finds out that Mr. Magorium wants to leave the toy shop to her, she is shocked and horrified because she does not know if she wants it, nor does she want Mr. Magorium to leave. As it becomes apparent that there's no changing Mr. Magorium's mind, even the magical toy shop is affected and the magic seems to disappear. Molly's young friend Eric is the only one who believes the magic can still exist even after Mr. Magorium is gone.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

Some adults might like this type of movie, but I was annoyed by the sweetness of the characters. Granted, there was some edginess to Molly, especially because of her own dissatisfaction with herself, but it's definitely a movie that I would not watch again, nor is it one that I would have even picked up if it wasn't for this class.

All that aside, I think that tweens would find this movie appealing. The nine year old boy who has no friends and can only relate to adults is an interesting character and one that many of us either know or have been at one time in our lives. The close relationship between Mr. Magorium and Molly is sweet, and putting the stuffed shirt accountant is very formulaic when you have a quirky person who needs a bit of grounding in reality.

I liked the vibrancy and color of the toy shop. Some of the effects came off as cheesy, but was actually in keeping with the style of the movie.

READER'S ANNOTATION

Owning a magical toy shop can be fun, but Mr. Magorium has lived a long 243 years and is now ready to step down and give ownership of the shop to his store manager and friend Molly Mahoney. Unfortunately she is not ready for him to leave, nor is she sure she can run the shop without him, but Mr. Magorium has made up his mind and it is up to Molly to see if she can put the pieces back together when he is gone.

GENRE

Fantasy

CURRICULUM TIES

Social Studies

The way death is dealt with in this movie. Research cultures and traditions surrounding death in other countries

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

4 and up

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Minimal. Death might be the only issue, but is presented in a non offensive way.

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Library policies. Show parents resources that they could use to educate their kids on serious issues like death.

WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE

Fun for young kids and tweens, interesting characters, and magic in a toy shop. As much as I didn't care for the movie, I do like to play with toys.