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It's so intent on being whimsical, so aware of its own whimsicality, that it ends up being not very whimsical at all.
Helm gets huge bonus points for noticing everything that's annoying about modern children's films and including none of those things in his movie.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is what happens when too many sappy sweet instincts chase too few original ideas.
As long as Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium sticks to magic, it is pretty engaging, but the lives on display are less than mesmerizing.
If the concept of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is ingenious, its execution is erratic.
There isn't anything terribly exciting or original on offer... but there's nothing offensive either.
There is but one measly extra on the disc: a trailer for Nim's Island.
The wonderful fantasy elements Zach Helm was trying to tap into do not translate over to this particular toy store.
For all its computer-generated effects and colorful sight gags, Magorium is a dreadfully prosaic movie, lacking charm and grace.
A weak whimsical story with a good heart.
The trailers make the movie look like the ickiest kind of whimsy, accompanied by obstreperous special effects, but the film itself is gasp-worthy.
Magic can only get you so far. More tension, more conflict, and more side plotting would have helped this unimaginatively straightforward film.
A not so wonderful Emporium run by a shop owner who is best buddies with the Grim Reaper, toys with bad tempers, and a mysterious macho tenant living in the cellar who sleeps cuddling his doll.
The result, for all its swirly colors and surrealism, is alternately dull and irritating, an experience akin to learning that you're going on a field trip only to discover that it's to the box factory.
If there were as many great ideas in the story as there are in the art and CGI special effects departments, this fantasy tale of wonder might have been a hit.
I laughed out loud once, yet I am giving this film a positive review. There's something magical about a G-rated film that attempts to capture life, death and a little bit of magic.
Yes, there is wonder here, and plenty of it.
Although it's not set at Christmas, it's a great traditional yet contemporary festive treat.
... never quite as magical as it wants to be.
Broken into storybook-like chapters...the film implies that it possesses literary roots; however, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium comes across as a quickie knockoff attempting to capitalize on a more popular title's success.
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