Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)

Aimed at an audience too young for the spooks of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” the jawbreaker-bright “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” stars Dustin Hoffman as the 243-year-old owner of a magical toy store where planes, balls, books, sock monkeys and dolls come alive. The set-up: Magorium is ready to “move on” (die, that is) and sees in his store clerk (Natalie Portman) a successor to his trade. He just needs to make her believe. Directed by Zack Helm, the film recalls “Romper Room” and other tyke-pitched fare, which is adorable. And yet, it is grinding. I felt for Portman. At the climax, she conducts and dances her way through an over-baked sparkle-filled scene and looks miserable. “Star Wars” prequels miserable. That said, she didn't look ready to cry. Thank heaven or wherever (as the movie says), for Jason Bateman. Playing a Gene Wilder role (accountant) perfectly straight, he steals the film, sock monkey in tow. C+