20th Century Fox, Mandate Pictures, Walden Media and Film Colony Productions present a 93 minute, G rated film directed by Zach Helm and starring Natalie Portman (Molly Mahoney), Dustin Hoffman (Mr. Magorium), Jason Bateman (Henry “Mutant” Weston), Ted Ludzik (Bellini, the Book Builder), Zach Mills (Eric Applebaum, the Hat Collector) and an appearance by Kermit the Frog (Performed by Steve Whitmore).
Mr. Bellini, the man born in the basement chronicles the life and times of Mr. Magorium. All stories have chapters, as does this one, but eventually come to an end which in turn creates a new beginning as you’ll experience amongst the walls of the Emporium. Mahoney, a great pianist and toy store manager, has fallen into a creative slump. Maybe because grown up’s no longer believe in life like that of a kid. Her little helper at the store Eric, a loner with no friends, is not only a collector of hats but a skilled builder who engrosses his time with the creativity of sculptures rather than making friends. Remember, sometimes to make friends all it takes is to set aside the time to say, hi!
Can you keep a secret? Mr. Magorium, 243 years old, owner of the toy store, has decided it is his time to leave and leave for good, meaning the world. He presents Molly with a gift, a wooden block. Not just an ordinary block but one that will help her believe and in turn help the future of the store. He hires and accountant, Henry Weston, also referred to as “the mutant”, mainly because he is a “just” man, to assess the worth of his store so he can leave it all to Molly. Why a “just” man? Because he never stops working and never takes time to play. Where have those moments in life gone? As adults do we forget what it is like to be a kid. This film truly point out the fact that if we took the time to enjoy life like when we were young, than maybe it would be a better place for everyone. All we have to do is, believe!
The store loves Mr. Magorium and he loves the store. It is alive with laughter, colors, life and amazing fantasies around every corner. Overall, it is a magical store. But, when it learns of Mr. Magorium’s soon departure, it mourns and sulks, unleashing a temper tantrum, creating darkness and colors of only black and white.
The film covers a bit more of an adult story line about life and death pointing out that life is truly an occasion and we should all rise to it. But, because of this story line it may be slightly above the mentality of the child audience. Although, the director does include many humorous and child-like moments it is the meaning behind the writing that creates the thoughts of where our childhood has gone. A block of wood may be just that to an adult but if you see it as a child it can be so much more. So if you believe, in the end it is always the start of a new and a fascinating beginning.
I thoroughly enjoyed the films premise as an adult but think it may be a bit over the top for a child although the bells and whistles will keep them entertained. Hoffman was a joy to watch, Portman seemed a bit out of place, Applebaum will definitely be seen more often in the future and Bateman was once again brilliant with the character he portrayed. Although I left wanting more at the end, it is a cute film of memories past with a heavy lining that may entertain you especially if you still know how to believe.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.