Mr. Magorium’s Emporium

Dustin Hoffman’s attempt at being delightful goes flat likes a tire without an inner tube in this notably bland children’s movie. Hoffman plays Mr. Magorium, the kooky 243 year-old toy store owner whose life is coming to an end because he has finally worn out the last pair of Italian shoes of which he bought a lifetime supply. Natalie Portman plays Magorium’s sole employee, a musically blocked concert pianist who will inherit the store that newcomer accountant Jason Bateman has taken over the daunting task of settling its books. Visually colorful but dramatically empty, "Mr. Magorium’s Emporium" is too listless for words.

Rated G, 94 mins. (C-) (Two Stars)