Just a random remark: I watched this with the Spanish dubbing as a way to practice that language. I’m glad I did, because when I attempted to re-watch parts of it in English, i found Dustin Hoffman’s lisping performance as Mr. Magorium unbearable. I don’t think I would have enjoyed the movie in English as much as I did in Spanish (and I really did enjoy it).

Dustin Hoffman is delightful, as always, in the lead role – a magical toy store owner who is 243 years old and about to “retire.” Natalie Portman plays his store manager, Molly Mahoney, with gusto, and Zach Mills as the lonely hat collector, Eric Applebaum, is charming. Jason Bateman plays the “mutant” accountant, Henry Weston, and provides the only dose of “reality” in an otherworldly setting. Kids of all ages will love this. I especially enjoyed the short feature included on the DVD about the making of the toy store set. Director Zach Helm spared no expense, gathering toys from all corners of the globe and representing various eras of toy-making. Fascinating stuff.