World of Wonder

When asked about today's screening of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, Britta Erickson, director of industry relations for the Starz Denver Film Festival, says, "I can't think of a more perfect film for 'Saturday at the Movies,'" a fest event aimed at families. "It's a film everyone can enjoy seeing — and they can also participate in a great community give-back."

The flick, which co-stars Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman, was made under the auspices of Walden Media, a branch of Denver gazillionaire Phil Anschutz's entertainment empire. As part of Emporium's marketing campaign, Walden is partnering with Toys for Tots to stage what's envisioned as the planet's largest toy drive. To assist in this goal, Erickson notes, every person who donates a toy — not a book or DVD — will receive two tickets to the screening. (Admission is $5 for those who don't donate a toy.) In addition, attendees will be part of a red-carpet entry, and kids can participate in a kaleidoscope-making craft project. "We think it makes the perfect combination," Erickson says.

The curtains open on Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium at 2 p.m. at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Get details at 303-595-3456 or www.denverfilm.org; visit http://blogs.westword.com for more DFF tidbits.
Sat., Nov. 10, 2 p.m., 2007