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Mr. Magorium's

Wonder Emporium

** 1/2

Mr. Magorium is an odd and rather endearing fellow. And his toy emporium is a kind of hallucinogenic, souped-up version of FAO Schwarz. Or perhaps, it is like the imagination of a lively child gone overboard on too much sugar. Most of the action takes place in the vividly hued shop with eye-catching and fanciful toys and one-of-a-kind gadgets. While there are moments of sweetness in the story, the film's dazzling production design is the highlight.

Dustin Hoffman plays the title character as a mysterious quasi-mythical being. But the fantasy never fully takes hold to carry us away. Perhaps children will be more transported than adults, but with the focus on shy Molly (Natalie Portman) and the lovably eccentric Magorium, the magical toys aren't given enough opportunity to captivate. Molly faces a big decision when Magorium bequeaths ...