Review: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium a Magically Simple Tale

What's worse than a toddler's tantrum when he loses his favorite toy? A toy store's tantrum when it loses its favorite owner. At least that's the premise behind the wondrous tale of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.

Dustin Hoffman is delightful as the enigmatic Mr. Magorium. A toy impresario, a magic aficionado and an avid shoe wearer, the 243-year-old Magorium has decided that his story is completed and it is time for him to leave. Why? Because he's finally worn out his last pair of shoes, of course.

Intending to leave his beloved store to his faithful manager, Magorium hires an account, or as he refers to him a counting mutant, to put the store's books in order. Henry Weston, played by Jason Bateman, is a "just" man - as in "it's just a store" - that is so caught up in his workaholic ways that he's forgotten how to pretend.

Natalie Portman stars as Molly Mahoney, the manager of the emporium. A child piano prodigy, Mahoney, now 23, has yet to complete her first composition and reach her potential. Although she lacks faith in herself, Mahoney never questions the magic behind the store she manages.

The story is narrated by nine-year-old, Eric Applebaum (Zach Mills), the hat collector. What he lacks in friends, Eric makes up with his talent with toys and his will to believe.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a very simple tale where the store itself is the star. There are no twists or great reveals in this story. There are no CGI stunts or great battles.

Mr. Magorium's is simply a cute modest tale about a fun little toy store and the people it loves. If you take it for what it is, you'll have a delightful afternoon that's suitable for the whole family in awe of the fantastic little store.

The store is a wonder in and of itself. Complete with a Big Book that can literally find any toy the store has, a magic door knob and a sock monkey that needs a hug, the emporium is a child's dream of fun bursting at the seams.

However, if you are looking for an intricate movie with a complex plot, Mr. Magorium's is not for you.

Little ones will be captivated the store. However, when the store goes gray, the younger crowd might become a little bored with the tale.

Overall, the story has a couple nice lessons about believing in oneself, learning to let go and remembering to find that child in each of us.

Three stars out of five. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is rated G and is currently in theaters.