Hugo (2011)

Director: Martin Scorsese
Writers: John Logan (screenplay) and Brian Selznik (book)
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Moretz, Christopher Lee, Sacha  Baron Cohen, and Ben Kingsley
Rated: PG
Official movie site | IMDb/trailer

I went into Hugo knowing very little about it, which can either be a really fun way to watch a movie or it could be a huge mistake. Luckily for me in this case, it was a great thing. The Martin Scorsese-directed family movie ended up being a great time at the movies with a fascinating, and partly true, story.

Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) is a young orphan boy living alone after his father passes away (and later his uncle). He maintains the clocks within the walls of a Paris train station, stealing food as needed. He eventually meets a grumpy old man (Ben Kingsley) who owns a toy shop at the station as well as the man’s goddaughter (Chloë Moretz). The two youngsters go on a few adventures, one including an automaton left by Hugo’s father which he believes contains a message.

The few facts I knew about the film were mainly revolving around the fact that it was a family adventure movie. About half way through the film though, the topics of early film production and preservation come into play. Much reminiscent of Cinema Paradiso, Hugo has a lot of film spirit that any movie lover will appreciate. The scenes involving both clips of old movies and the characters’ memories and thoughts on film make the viewer appreciate what the movies are really about.

The acting is all-around well done. The surprise standout for me was Sacha Baron Cohen as the Station Inspector. The two young leads are just incredible and believable, and it goes without saying that Ben Kingsley did a wonderful job as the legendary Georges Méliès. There are also a few characters placed around the train station that make everything so much more realistic and inviting. From an older fellow trying to swoon a woman (even though her dog doesn’t approve) to a quiet and charming flower shop girl…there are small details and people that, while they seem minor, without them the movie wouldn’t be the same.

Hugo really is a fun movie and a great experience. I had no choice but to watch it in 3D at the theater, which I probably could have done without (though a few scenes did look awesome in 3D) but it still didn’t take anything away form the whole experience. The music, classic film clips, and performances are not to be missed. It’s got the spirit and enthusiasm that a family movie should have. This one really makes you not only appreciate film, but those close to you as well.