Dustin Hoffman has a ball as the eccentric centuries-old proprietor of a magical toy store who preps his shy and insecure assistant (Natalie Portman, winsomely winning as the babe in Toyland) to take over the business in this fantastic fantasy. A zany, brainy delight from first-time director Zach Helm, who wrote the screenplay. Jason Bateman costars as a stuffy accountant who comes to understanding the wonders of the place.