Movie Review: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Dustin Hoffman plays Mr. Edward Magorium, a 243 year eccentric old man who owns a toy shop in NYNY. Edward Magorium is on the cusp of retirement and “departure” i.e. voluntary death. Natalie Portman portrays a young female composer, Mollie Mahoney, who manages the toy shop for Mr. Magorium. Having writer’s block, Mollie’s life is at an apparent standstill. The bulk of the plot involves the interplay of Edward Magorium’s final plans for his Magic Emporium and Mollie’s quest to recover her musical creativity.

Dustin Hoffman’s acting versatility shines in his role as the elderly eccentric. Natalie Portman’s acting is lackluster. The basic plot had much promise, but really did not connect very well at movie’s end.