I saw this movie today and really enjoyed it. The theater was fairly well filled for a matinée (I went to an 11:15 AM showing) and there was plenty of laughter and even applause from the audience. Both adults and kids really seemed to enjoy it from what I saw and heard.
One thing parents need to be aware of, though, is that the movie in some ways has what could be a very somber central theme: the death of Mr Magorium. I was really surprised at how forthrightly this theme was handled. But it was very, very well done, IMHO, and as I say, the audience, of all ages, responded very positively.
I've seen this compared to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. To this a long-time Willy Wonka fan - fan of the the original, that is, with Gene Wilder - sorry, gang, this movie doesn't come close.
But I'll admit to being hopelessly prejudiced on that subject. I still enjoyed the sheer fun and laughter and color and sounds of Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium.
The script was crisp, fun, and contained some great lines. The script's structure uses one of my favorite techniques for story-telling: making the story-telling part of the story. We page through a story book as we go through the movie, with Eric (Zach Mills) our delightfully enthusiastic narrator. What could be better?
The acting & characterizations were finely done. Dustin Hoffman played a suitably eccentric Mr Magorium. Natalie Portman was an adorable Molly Mahoney. Jason Bateman makes an appealing accountant learning to have fun. Zach Mills gives a wonderful performance as Eric the youthful Hat Collector.
All in all, if you or your kids have any inclination to have some fun in a magical toy emporium, this one is surely worth a visit.
Go ... and have fun!
One thing parents need to be aware of, though, is that the movie in some ways has what could be a very somber central theme: the death of Mr Magorium. I was really surprised at how forthrightly this theme was handled. But it was very, very well done, IMHO, and as I say, the audience, of all ages, responded very positively.
I've seen this compared to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. To this a long-time Willy Wonka fan - fan of the the original, that is, with Gene Wilder - sorry, gang, this movie doesn't come close.
But I'll admit to being hopelessly prejudiced on that subject. I still enjoyed the sheer fun and laughter and color and sounds of Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium.
The script was crisp, fun, and contained some great lines. The script's structure uses one of my favorite techniques for story-telling: making the story-telling part of the story. We page through a story book as we go through the movie, with Eric (Zach Mills) our delightfully enthusiastic narrator. What could be better?
The acting & characterizations were finely done. Dustin Hoffman played a suitably eccentric Mr Magorium. Natalie Portman was an adorable Molly Mahoney. Jason Bateman makes an appealing accountant learning to have fun. Zach Mills gives a wonderful performance as Eric the youthful Hat Collector.
All in all, if you or your kids have any inclination to have some fun in a magical toy emporium, this one is surely worth a visit.
Go ... and have fun!