Portman Rolls Up On Toronto

Time to hit the record shops, Starbucks, the Drake and Kensington Market - Natalie Portman is in Toronto filming a movie. Along with cast members Jason Bateman and Dustin Hoffman, Natalie is filming the movie Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium in Toronto this month. With a title like that, I wouldn't expect much crossover from her Closer audience.

Natalie Portman once inspired a gin-soaked argument, after my roommate got around to watching Garden State. We argued which of us had the right to claim her as their imaginary movie-star girlfriend. There was no clear winner, as neither of us had the trump card of owning an action figure of Queen Amidala, although I'm pretty sure I named more films she starred in than he could. It was a strange afternoon.

By the way, Zach Braff is a diabolical genius for becoming an actor, writing a script, directing a feature, all so he could have Natalie Portman be his girlfriend in a movie and make-out with her. Well played Mr. Braff, well played. I once had a similar plan to win the heart of Lisa Loeb.

Some may be intimidated to get all up in Natalie's biz-ness after watching the Natalie Portman SNL Gangsta Rap video. Luckily I'm street, so we could roll together. OK stop laughing already.

Here's the plot of "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium":

Portman plays Molly Mahoney, the awkward and insecure manager of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, the strangest, most fantastic toy store in the world. But when Mr. Magorium (Hoffman), the 243-year-old eccentric who owns the store, bequeaths it to her, a dark and ominous change begins to take over the once remarkable Emporium.

With a title like that, this movie should include actor Troy McClure, star of such films as "Professor Horatio Huffnagle and his Contrabulous Fabtraption".

Variety.com - Walden backing 'Wonder'
Picture credit: Star Tracks - Monday, March 27, 2006 Natalie Portman : People.com