Sometimes it’s fun to let your imagination run wild, especially while watching certain whimsical movies that are based in reality but also open up a fantasy world and give you a feeling of happiness. Unicorn Store is one of those films. Although not a major production release like Mary Poppins or The Wizard of Oz, this charming movie starring Brie Larson and featuring Samuel L. Jackson in a key role surprised me with its unusual casting and heartwarming essence.  

Working from Samantha McIntyre's creative screenplay, Larson also directed Unicorn Store. Released while Captain Marvel is still a box office success, this little gem shows what Larson can do in a role that’s about as far from her super hero appearance as possible. And Jackson plays an enthusiastic unicorn salesman who never utters an “f” word or anything close to “R” rated dialogue. But watch closely to what his character yells when angry. It may shock you -- and could become as famous as his bombastic Snakes on a Plane shout!

Supporting cast members Joan Cusack and Bradley Whitford portray parents who run “Emotional Quest” sessions, and they never miss a note. These parents should know better, but they shower praise on one of their young clients (Karon Soni) and seem to like him more than Kit (Larson), their own daughter. Other outstanding performances are delivered by Mamoudou Athie as a young man interested in Kit no matter what outlandish idea she comes up with, and Hamish Linklater as the strange Vice President of the company where Kit has signed on as a temp.           

Art for art’s sake can make or break.

But can it be one girl’s mistake?

In UNICORN STORE, Kit fails art.

She doesn’t know where else to start.

It’s hard to give up all her dreams.

And she is not the type who schemes.

As office temp, she tries her best.

Will her art background pass the test?

Kit’s wish to have a unicorn

lies dormant but is soon reborn.

Whimsy and reality clash

in this comedy/drama mash.

Brie Larson plays a different part.

No Captain Marvel or upstart.

Samuel Jackson? New type too.

So his fans might decide to boo.

Refreshing is the lack of guile

and willingness to make us smile.

No obscene language or gun play.

Save those up for another day!

Art is our memory of love. The most an artist can do through their work is say, let me show you what I have seen, what I have loved, and perhaps you will see it and love it too. --- Annie Bevan

Art is what you can get away with. --- Marshall McLuhan

(Released by Netflix and not rated by MPAA).

For more information about Unicorn Store, go to the IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes web site.