Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2007

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A magical toy store loses its sparkle when its 243-year-old owner prepares to die—sweet concept, forgettable execution.

39%

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Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

movie

G, 2007

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A magical toy store loses its sparkle when its 243-year-old owner prepares to die—sweet concept, forgettable execution.

39%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those 'nice idea, meh execution' family films that looked charming in the trailer but never quite delivers. The magical toy store concept is lovely, Dustin Hoffman is doing his quirky best, and the message about believing in yourself is sweet.

But here's the thing: it's just kind of boring. The pacing drags, the effects look cheap even for 2007, and the emotional beats don't land with any real weight. Critics panned it (39% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences were lukewarm (55%), and nearly 20 years later, it hasn't aged into a hidden gem—it's just aged.

If you've got a sensitive 6-8 year old who loves gentle fantasy and you've already exhausted better options (Paddington, Matilda, The Secret Garden), this won't hurt. But there are dozens of family films that do whimsy, magic, and life lessons better. It's safe, it's kind, but it's forgettable.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-10 who like gentle fantasy and can handle the theme of an elderly character peacefully passing away. Older kids will likely find it slow and dated; adults will struggle to stay engaged.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A fundamentally gentle film about mentorship, believing in yourself, and dealing with loss. Mr. Magorium's impending death is handled with grace and whimsy rather than trauma. The tone is kind and cooperative, though the pacing can feel uneven and occasionally plodding. Models positive relationships and emotional growth.

Imaginative

The magical toy store concept is inherently creative—toys come alive, rooms shift, wonder abounds. The premise invites curiosity about magic and possibility. However, the execution feels more 'told' than 'experienced,' with CGI that even in 2007 felt a bit flat. Still, the core idea of a store where imagination literally transforms reality is solid.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 6, and that tracks. The central conflict involves Mr. Magorium preparing to die, but it's handled philosophically and gently—no graphic scenes, no violence, no scares. The store 'tantrums' when upset (toys falling, colors fading) but nothing genuinely frightening. No inappropriate content for young viewers.

Enriching

Themes of self-belief, facing mortality with grace, and finding your own magic are meaningful. Dustin Hoffman's quirky performance offers some charm. But the film never quite lands emotionally—it's more whimsical window dressing than deep insight. Kids might take away 'believe in yourself' but won't be particularly moved or changed. Entertainment value is middling.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Handles death and grief in a gentle, philosophical way that won't traumatize young viewers
Dustin Hoffman brings eccentric charm as the whimsical Mr. Magorium
The 'believe in yourself' message is earnest without being preachy
Safe, kind-hearted viewing for families with sensitive kids who want magic without scares

⚠

What to Watch For

The entire plot revolves around Mr. Magorium preparing to die—handled gently, but death is the central theme
Pacing is slow and the movie drags; even kids may get bored
CGI and effects feel dated even for 2007; the 'wonder' doesn't quite land visually
Critics and audiences were lukewarm for a reason—it's not bad, just forgettable

Conversation Starters

"What would your dream toy store look like if you could make toys do anything?"
"Mr. Magorium wasn't scared to die because he'd lived a full life. What do you think makes a life feel 'full'?"
"Molly didn't believe in her own magic at first. Have you ever felt like you couldn't do something, then surprised yourself?"

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