Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Miles) – The best part of this Christmas movie is the closing credits, which is not very flattering. But there are moments reminiscent of some of the magical movies of the Christmas season if only writer/director Zach Helm had just decided what kind of movie he wanted to create. On the one hand, it reminds you a little of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; on the other, it Jumanji. No matter what, it gives you three “mans” – Hoffman, Portman, and Bateman – as an engaging trio with three different views of life. Hoffman, as Magorium, is the eccentric centuries-old owner of a truly “magical” toy store. Portman, looking like a tomboy in all but one scene (why would they do this?), plays the store manager Molly Mahoney, who Magorium treats like a daughter and to whom he wills the store. Bateman plays a stereotypical accountant who Magorium inexplicably hires to valuate his store (why?) before he leaves for good. These are likeable actors in likeable characterizations, even if Hoffman’s speech affectations are very odd. The special effects are first-rate, but the film takes itself a little too seriously. The aforementioned closing credits are a little more fun than some of the movie. The film opened early for the Christmas season, which usually is not a good sign, and I can understand why. Three very good actors in a mediocre film means wasted talent … and that is never a good thing.