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In fact, the inspiration of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is clear here. Like that book, each character surrounding Mr. Magorium has lessons to learn. Molly doesn't believe in herself. Eric finds it easier to be lonely than take the risks inherent in having friends. And Henry has lost his inner child. Each character has an amazing scene related to overcoming his or her issues, but each arc ultimately feels unsatisfying, forced and incomplete. For instance, after Eric's mom tells him that all he has to do to make a friend is to say "hi," he initiates a sweet friendship with Henry by holding up written notes through the glass window of Henry's office. The scene is sweet, moving and triumphant—he actually stepped out to make a friend! But when the film's over, you realize that Eric still has no friends his own age.

Jason Bateman as Henry Weston the accountant

As these individual journeys play out, the movie as a whole is about belief that there's more to life than this. The magic that makes the Wonder Emporium tick is not wizard magic or any kind of sorcery—but is the magic of the imagination and childlike wonder. This is made clear when Molly confronts Henry because he can't believe in seemingly impossible things. She says to him, "To you, it's always just a store, just a bench, just a tree. Nothing any more." But the movie says that there is always more; you just have to believe to see it. It is a faith-affirming and imagination-lauding message. Coupled with Molly's story that you need to believe in the wonders of life—and yourself—there is much in the story to discuss with kids.

Perhaps the film's greatest triumph is the way it handles death. In a way, the storyline is analogous to the loss of a beloved grandparent. Hoffman plays Mr. Magorium as a fun-loving, goofy and joyful—but bumbling and aloof—senior citizen. He's the grandfather everyone wants. As he prepares those around him for his departure, the film approaches death in a life-celebrating, gentle and non-scary way. Magorium tells his friends, "Light bulbs die. I will depart." He stresses that what is important is not his death, but the life he lived. And he teaches that death is not the end, but the natural next step: the beginning of a new story.

Because of the inspiring discussions of death and belief in Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium—and truly creative moments of warmth and wonder—the movie ultimately overcomes its flaws to charm, inspire and satisfy. Almost as much as when that sad little sock monkey finally gets his hug.

Talk About It

1. How do you define belief? What is the difference between "seeing is believing" and "believing is seeing?"
2. At the beginning, the narrator says, "What Molly needed was an opportunity to prove to herself she was more than she believed." Why didn't Molly believe in herself? What does it mean to believe in yourself? Why is that important? At the end, why did she believe she could run the store? In what ways do you not believe in yourself? What helps you believe in yourself?
3. Have you ever felt like Eric? How? What's scary about making friends? What's the best way to make friends?
4. What did you learn from the movie about death? Was it sad when Mr. Magorium died? Why or why not? Where do you think he went? Why? The Bible teaches that death is not the end. What does that mean to you?

The Family Corner

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is rated G. Really. The very clean, family-friendly film has very little to concern parents, except possibly the discussions of death. But, death is carefully and sensitively handled as an inevitable part of life that is not to be feared, but seen as the start of another adventure. There is one very quick conversation that suggests other religious views of the afterlife—including reincarnation.

Photos © Copyright Twentieth Century Fox

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