Dustin Hoffman Strives for Excellence

Mr. Magorium

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• nataleekw's Grade: A
• Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

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This is by far the best toy movie since the 1992 flick "Toys" with Robin Williams and Joan Cusack. A riveting tale of a magical man, Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman), who owns an enchanted toy store. The Emporium's manager, Mahoney (Natalie Portman), has the beginning conflict in this film. She is a pianist, but has not yet created her masterpiece and this vexes her. With the notion that Magorium will no longer be running the store, Mahoney is forced to make an important and life changing decision.

The story line was absolutely intoxicating. I couldn't look away from the screen for a moment for fear that I would miss a toy playing in the shop window, or a slinky that was afraid to fall. Dustin Hoffman's performance was spellbinding. Probably his best "stretch" performance since his leading role in "Rain Man" in 1988 alongside Tom Cruise. Natalie Portman was also enchanting and put her best foot forward in this performance making it more memorable than "Where the Heart Is" or any other generic chick flick that she has been previously cast. Jason Bateman, the straight laced accountant, excelled in his role as an uptight adult who did not believe in magic. Although, how hard that can it be to play an adult who is being an adult?

All in all, a great movie. A definate must see for children and those adults that still wish they were kids.