I don't trust movie review sites. One such site gave my favorite movie Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium a 37% rating. This same site gave Noah a 77% rating. Again, I disagree. At the very least, those number should be switched. And here's why:
Why Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Is My Favorite Movie
When first seeing Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, I related to the Sock Monkey. He wanted the attention of the Mutant. On some level, I think the Monkey knew the Mutant needed the reminder it's okay to be child-like too. And, even though the colorful, magical world had already drawn me in, the connection with the Sock Monkey hooked me for the duration.
Since that hook, I've lost count how many times I've seen this movie. And as I grow, I relate to different characters at different times. I've been Molly Mahoney, who is lost and is searching for her full potential. I've been the Mutant, who is so serious in his life, he's forgotten that fun is allowed. I've been Eric, who just wants to make friends and be accepted as he is. I've been Mr. Magorium, whose goal is to bring happiness and create wonder. And I've been the Store - I pout when people leave; I throw a tantrum when things are about to change - good or bad.
The characters are the #1 reason I keep coming back to this movie.
These characters that I keep coming back for have also given me the best lines.
- "We must face tomorrow whatever it may hold with determination, joy, and bravery."
- "37 seconds. We breathe. We pulse. We regenerate. Our hearts beat. Our minds create. Our souls ingest. 37 seconds well used is a lifetime."
- "All stories, even the ones we love, must eventually come to an end and when they do, it's only an opportunity for another story to begin."
- "No matter what they tell you, you don't have to stay within the lines."
- "It's you. You're a block of wood."
With these lines and characters, I can turn to this movie for any emotion. If I want to laugh or cry, if I want to find comfort or learn something, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium covers it all. There's the whimsical nature of the toy store, the seriousness of death, the happiness in growth and discovery, and safety in love.
A vital component in the emotional nature of this story is how the characters go through the grieving process.
Denial - Mahoney drags Mr. Magorium to the hospital because she thinks he can't be departing.
Bargaining - Mahoney showing Mr. Magorium what he as to live for, Eric trying to buy the store.
Anger - Eric's insistence that Mahoney run the store, the Store's temper tantrum.
Depression - The Store turns black, Mr. Magorium's good-bye scene.
Acceptance - The block of wood flies, Mahoney discovers her magic.
Putting aside the emotions, logistically, the music is beautiful. For instance, how flowing and fun all the pieces are. And how this music grows with the story. I also love the inclusion of books, games, art, animals, and so many awe-inspiring aspects of human nature.
And so when all of this is combined in one film, there is magic. This magic is reflected in the portrayal of love. This is one movie that has no 'Boy falls for girl and girl for boy' story. However, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium bursting with love. It is found in the devotion the Store has for Mr. Magorium. Also, the kindness exchanged between the Mutant and Mahoney. Eric finds friendship in the Mutant. Mahoney's admiration for Mr. Magorium. Mr. Magorium's treatment of EVERYONE! They love each other in the most fundamental way - the way that every person needs.
The characters keep me coming back and love keeps the story alive.
One final aspect that puts this movie over the top for me: when Mr. Magorium is in the hospital, Eric brings him an euphonium. An EUPHONIUM! That is the instrument that I play! Does anyone out there even know what that is? Most people don't when I tell them about this fabulous instrument. But this puts it over the top because it's so, so personal. What movie has an euphonium? None, I tell you, none! I can't guarantee that everyone will find a connection that personal but there is something for everyone in this film.
So I suggest everyone watch it and enjoy your adventures!
P.S. This is an euphonium -
