Substance suffers at the hand of style yet again

Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

Director: Zach Helm

Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills

The main problem with this film is that what is clearly such a good idea is completely bereft of even a remotely passable plot.

It offers style over substance, though no doubt youngsters will certainly love all the action and the sheer, eye-searing colours.

Such as it is the story concerns the decision of the ancient Mr Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) to leave his magical toy store in the hands of young assistant (Natalie Portman) … but will she be able to handle the responsibility?

Toys come to life, fly about, get up to all sorts of mischief … but they do it with nothing to keep the weak storyline on track.

Star Rating: 3/5