I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time. I thought that Stranger Than Fiction was the best script written in years, so when I heard that Zach Helm, the writer of Stranger Than Fiction, had another project in the pipeline, my mouth instantly started to water.

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium looks like a complete 180 from Stranger Than Fiction, and unfortunately, it doesn’t seem nearly as original. However, given the brilliance of his last film, I’m willing to give Mr. Helm the benefit of the doubt. Although Helm has never directed before, I’m confident that Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, and Jason Bateman will keep the film going on the right course. If nothing else, it should be a fun couple of hours.

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely going to SEE IT.

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is not yet rated and opens on Thanksgiving. (Official Site)

It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means–new DVDs! Today is the DVD release date for one of my favorite movies of 2006, Stranger Than Fiction. In Stranger Than Fiction, Will Ferrell did something completely out of the ordinary for him–he played a normal, nondescript guy. Specifically, he portrayed Howard Crick, an analytical tax man who starts hearing a voice in his head. The voice is narrating Howard’s life, and it tells him his days are numbered.

Stranger Than Fiction is an ingenious, thought-provoking, original comedy. The strength of the film comes from Ferrell’s performance and Zach Helm’s script, which was nominated for a Writer’s Guild Award. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, and Queen Latifah round out the cast in an unusual combination that works. Put it on your Netflix queue immediately.

Also out this week are Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, Alexander - The Final Cut, and Don’t Look Back, a film of Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England. Check out DVD Talk for the full list.