Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium is an enchanting film about a magic toy shop, which we went to see on Sunday.

It stars Dustin Hoffman as Mr Magorium, a 243-year-old toy shop owner, and Natalie Porter as Molly Mahoney, his assistant. Mr Magorium is ready to depart this life and he's trying to persuade the reluctant 'Mahoney' to take over.

Within the whimsical setting of a toy shop, the film has a surprising, gentle message that there is no fear in death and that every day of life should be made to count.

Mahoney's quest is to find her true goal. Her helper in the emporium is Eric, played by Zach Mills, a lonely but sparky child who finds a place in the world by working there. Of course there is a small drama in that the toy shop is losing money and Henry Weston, an accountant - Jason Bateman - is called in and almost sells it to a soulless woman who has no love for it!

One of the memorable clips is of Mr Magorium and Mahoney bouncing on mattresses in a bed store with all the pleasure of children!

Children will be delighted at the visual presentation of the toy shop with it's special effects, which is one of the strengths of the film, and the Willy Wonker-esque character of Mr Magorium. If you are fans of Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman, you will not be disappointed.

I found an interesting interview in the Daily Telegraph with Dustin Hoffman during which he reveals going through a difficult patch in his life.

Video clips of the film can be seen on Yahoo.