Plot: “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” is a magic toy story where everything comes to life. Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) runs the place, but when he decides to depart, he hires an accountant (Jason Bateman) and attempts to leave the store in the reluctant hands of the store manager, Molly (Natalie Portman). Who’s it for: If you have fond memories of toy stores when you were a child, this is for you. Plus, it doesn’t have any violence and the worst word is jerk.

Expectations: I wasn’t expecting much with this film, though writer/director Zach Helm did write “Stranger Than Fiction.” Hoffman has turned in two really good smaller performances lately with “Stranger Than Fiction” and the barely seen “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.”

SCORECARD Actors: Dustin Hoffman as Edward Magorium: Hoffman seems a little nuts in real life. Though I am basing this on the “reality” of him speaking at award shows and talk shows. Being a little crazy is perfect for a 243-year-old toy store owner who has a pet zebra named Mortimer. Grade: 6

Natalie Portman as Molly: Molly is the insecure store manager of the toy store who can’t finish the sonnet she’s been working on. Portman carries so much expression in her face that it is easy to get sucked in to her innocence. Grade: 6

Jason Bateman as Henry: Henry is an accountant and the best joke of the film comes from everyone calling him a counting mutant. I was looking forward to Henry coming out of his shell, but then it came during an odd moment of dress-up. Grade: 6

Talking: Eric Applebaum (Zach Mills) is the awkward kid, who only has Mr. Magorium and Molly as friends. The problem is, he seems a little too normal. Plus, he serves as the narrator and that doesn’t really work. Grade: 5

Sights and sounds: Both the outside and inside of the Wonder Emporium are fantastic for the eyes to see. Whether it is LEGOS coming to life or Kermit the Frog taking a quick stroll down the aisle, there is definitely enough to keep you interested. Grade: 6

OVERALL “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” fails as a comedy. I think I laughed out loud just once. And in spite of that fact, I am giving this film a positive review. There is something magical about a G-rated film that attempts to capture life, death and a little bit of magic. This movie is like hot tea on a cold day. That warm, tingling feeling you get in your chest means it is working on some level. Whether that’s wonder, magic or just a nice idea for a family film, it doesn’t really matter.

Overall Grade: 6