Hugo (2011) User Reviews

An ode to Cinema

[mike-wright-1 · 8/10 · 28 December 2012]

Since its release, I've been confused why Martin Scorsese made this film. I knew very little about it of course, only that it was an adventure movie about an orphan boy living in the walls of a Paris train station. It certainly doesn't sound very Scorsese-like.

However that is merely the framing for what is an ode to the earliest days of cinema, and in particular one of its true pioneers, Georges Melies. With references to "Arrival of a Train" – one of the world's first films by the Lumiere brothers, Melies's "A Trip to the Moon" and many others, this really is a treat for movie fans. Yes on a very basic level it is a children's movie, but really there's far more here for adults. Scorsese wonderfully juxtaposes his most technologically advanced film yet to demonstrate the genius and inventiveness of cinema in its earliest days.

There are fine performances from the two children, as well as Ben Kingsley as Melies and Sasha Baron Cohen as a determined and love struck station inspector. I actually thought that Helen McCrory stole the show as Melies' wife Mama Jeanne.

I never got to see Hugo in 3D, but the blu ray version looks truly sumptuous, with some breath taking imagery of early 20th century Paris. The film does tailor off significantly towards the end, with Scorsese seemingly unsure of what to do with the final act once the children had solved their mystery. What comes before is truly magical though and this film gets a big thumbs up from me.

Enjoyable and visually beautiful

[eline-hoskens · 7/10 · 2 August 2013]

I watched this movie without any expectations and with an open mind. I thought it started off kind of slow but once you realise what the story is about, you really enjoy it. Having been a film student, I particularly liked where the story was going. I watched a great number of Georges Méliès movies during my studies.

Hugo has great cinematography and I loved the themes of insecurity and doubt and the idea that creative people sometimes need a push in the back from someone else in order to realise what they're worth. Hugo is a very original story, although it does not always feel very coherent. I remember being left with a feeling that some questions were left unanswered and some details didn't quite add up if you really thought about them.

Hugo had a Frenglish steam-punk feel to it that generally doesn't really appeal to me but that often surprises me in a good way (a bit like the professor Layton games). I would certainly recommend this movie.

Beautiful, accomplished and fun

[tomgillespie2002 · 7/10 · 26 February 2012]

There must be something unifying in our globes collective consciousness, as 2011 saw two films that looked back at the cinematic past. Strangely, it took a French film maker, Michel Hazanavicius, to release a movie that pays homage to early, silent American cinema (The Artist). Conversely, Martin Scorsese, a well-known cinephile, delights with his love of early European silent cinema, in his often beautiful 'children's' film, Hugo.

Set in 1930's Paris, the main focus of this cinematic love is the work of the first movie magician, Georges Melies. We are introduced to Hugo (Asa Butterfield), a young man whose father left him a automaton after his death. It was a project that they worked on together, but never finished it. Hugo's main mission is to get the object working. As an orphan, Hugo hides in the rafters of a train station, maintaining the clocks that his drunken uncle used to do. After befriending a young girl, Isabelle (Chloe Moretz), he finally gets the automaton working, and it opens up a mystery that leads to the forgotten cinema of Melies (Ben Kingsley), now working on a store in the station.

The film shows love for silent cinema, and particularly the magic of Melies. Sacha Baron Cohen's station inspector is occasionally funny, and his character seems to be filtered through both Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau, and Jacques Tati's Monsieur Hulot, but he just doesn't seem to really progress at all, and feels almost like a filler character. Scorsese, like Robert Zemekis and Bob Gale before, reference that iconic Harold Lloyd moment in Safety Last! (1923), as Hugo hangs from a clock face.

Like so many others who speculate about the choices of Oscar nominations, Hugo, I feel, is not a contender for the best picture Oscar. There were some far better films produced in 2011. That said, the film is beautiful, accomplished , and often fun. Also, the resurgence of interest in a forgotten father of cinema, is completely touching, and leaves a warm feeling in the heart. Unfortunately, I did not see this in 3D; as far as I am aware, Scorsese uses it to brilliant degrees, so perhaps this would have made the experience perfect (despite the fact that I care not for the dimensions of 3.

www.the-wrath-of-blog.blogspot.com

Martin Scorsese's Love Letter to Cinema

[brando647 · 9/10 · 30 May 2012]

Martin Scorsese's HUGO is a family movie that will probably only cater to a niche crowd: people who appreciate movies as art (e.g. cinema snobs, though I use the term endearingly). I'm not saying it won't appeal to the general masses. It's still an interesting story, wonderfully acted, and packed with talent both in front of and behind the camera. But let's face it: this isn't your average movie, it's a love letter. Scorsese has been a vocal supporter of restoring old movies in hopes they'll be saved from oblivion (rightfully so) and this movie, based on a children's book by Brian Selznick, is his method of beautifully pleading his case before millions of people who've probably refuse to watch black and white movies on the basis that they're, you know, black and white (yes, I know those sorts of people). HUGO is a film meant to bring out attention to the movies long-forgotten and remind us of the magic behind them, told through the adventure of a young boy named Hugo Cabret. Hugo is an orphan whose father died in a museum fire, and he lives behind the walls of a Parisian train station. When he's not busy with his job of keeping the station clocks ticking, Hugo spends his time repairing an old automaton his father rescued from museum storage. An encounter with a curmudgeonly toy store owner and his granddaughter Isabelle will send Hugo on a journey to repair the automaton and discover its long-hidden secrets.

As I mentioned, this movie will only really appeal to certain people. Scorsese fans might be put off by the fact that this film is a family-friendly adventure; it doesn't exactly fall in line with Scorsese's usual subject matter. The family crowds will probably enjoy it, but younger children will likely be put off by it's slow pacing and lack of excitement. It's not so much an adventure as a journey of discovery, and little kids might not find themselves too involved in the story. My own daughter (4, going on 5) gave it an honest try when we sat down to watch it and made it 40 minutes or so before she fell asleep. Unfortunately, HUGO will probably be one of those films that fades into the background (if it hasn't already) and find most of it's loving coming from the film school crowds. The movie incorporates a loose interpretation of the life of Georges Méliès, a stage magician and an early innovator in world of cinema who realized the potential for the new medium of storytelling. At a time when most "movies" were just real-world situations recorded to celluloid (such as the famous train pulling into the station), Méliès created fantastic stories and mythical tales to entertain, filling his films with special effects and dramatic costuming. The movie focuses on the fact that so many of Méliès' films were lost over time and the tragedy of these classics from one of the earliest, most important filmmakers, ceasing to exist.

Scorsese makes his message perfectly clear in the final half of the movie, which happened to be my favorite part of the film. Ben Kingsley is Papa Georges (Méliès) and, in the film, he is a defeated man who mourns the death of his legacy following World War I. Kingsley is perfect here and the highlight of the movie. The children in the film, Asa Butterfield and Chloë Moretz, do a serviceable job but, as is usually the case with younger actors, their performances come off as forced and wooden most times. Even Moretz, who's performances I freakin' loved in KICK-ASS, doesn't feel real here. Maybe it's just that Scorsese isn't accustomed to working with younger talent and wasn't able to bring out the best in them, but it's a shame because the two of them are the key players in the movie. There's a handful of other minor roles filling out the film with talent: Christopher Lee, Ray Winstone, Jude Law, etc. My favorite would probably be Sascha Baron Cohen (yes, Borat) as the station inspector. With his Doberman patrolling by his side and the frame providing support for his bum leg, he was almost cartoonish. I loved him, and he was more than capable of toning down his usual eccentricity. HUGO is a movie with a lot to love, even more if you're a cinema snob. I really enjoyed it, but a slow first act and weak performances from the kids mean it's far from perfect. HUGO has my full recommendation for anyone who might want a glimpse into world of a true film-lover.

A Wonder for Any Cinema Lover

[claudio_carvalho · 9/10 · 2 March 2012]

In the late 20's, in Paris, the orphan Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) is a lonely boy that lives hidden from the cruel Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen) behind the walls of the train station, keeping the clocks working. He survives stealing breads, milk and other nourishment from the station stores. Hugo's father (Jude Law) was a watchmaker that had taught Hugo how to fix clocks and gadgets and died in a fire in his workshop. Then his alcoholic Uncle Claude (Ray Winstone), who is the responsible for keeping the station clocks working but vanished months ago, brings Hugo to work with him.

Hugo is trying to fix an automaton, the only memorabilia he has from his father, stealing parts from the bitter and cranky owner of a toy store, Papa George (Ben Kingsley). However it is missing a heart-shaped key to make it work. Hugo believes that the robot possesses a last message from his father. When George holds Hugo, he takes a notebook from the boy with the notes that he is using to repair the automaton.

Hugo follows George and meets his granddaughter Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz), who is raised by her grandparents after the death of her parents. Isabelle befriends Hugo seeking to live the adventure of her life. When Hugo sees that the girl has the key that he needs, he brings her to his hideout and the automaton works and draws a poster from 1902 George Méliès' film "Le voyage dans la lune". Hugo and Isabelle continue to research about the filmmaker and they find a hidden secret about George Méliès.

"Hugo" is a wonder for any cinema lover, with a great tribute to George Méliès. Martin Scorcese delivers his best film after many years, with a wonderful story of a boy that fixes machinery and ends fixing the heart of an old man.

It is unbelievable that users without any cinema culture give low rating to a film that is a great homage to the silent movies, with many references along the story. The boy Asa Butterfield, from "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas", gives another excellent performance and the girl Chloë Grace Moretz, who has a lovely smile, shows a fantastic chemistry with Asa Butterfield.

It is intriguing that at least three movies nominated to the Oscar 2012 have points in common: "The Artist" is a film about the transition from the silent movie to the spoken films; "Hugo" is set in Paris in the late 20's and has references to actors, actresses and directors of the silent movies; and "Midnight in Paris" is also set in Paris in the 20's. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "A Invenção de Hugo Cabret" ("The Invention of Hugo Cabret")

HUGO was like watching a dream.

[Blizzara · 24 November 2011]

"If you've ever wondered where your dreams come from, just look around. This is where they're made."

Hugo Cabret's story was told so well that it felt like you were right there with him on his stunning adventure.

For those unfamiliar, this is the story about a young boy named Hugo. He lives inside the walls of a train station in Paris in the 1930's. His father dies, leaving behind a mysterious automaton that, when fixed, can write. Hugo makes it his mission to fix it, believing that it will reveal a message from his father. With the help of an eccentric girl named Isabelle, he tries to uncover a magical mystery about the old man at the toy booth (Isabelle's godfather) and enchanting early films.

I had been looking forward to this film for a very long time, and I was not disappointed at all. I was a bit unsure about the 3D at first, but it turned out to be superb. Every single object became part of the story, and the audience became immersed in this beautiful world created by Martin Scorsese and Brian Selznick. While every member of the cast was brilliant, there are two in particular I'd like to point out.

First, Asa Butterfield as Hugo. He carried the film with perfection and gave a truly incredible performance. His acting was very natural--you could hardly tell he was acting! He did an amazing job of bringing life to a complex, lost, sad character. Asa is one of the most talented young actors I've ever seen; a very likely Oscar nomination in his future.

Last (but certainly not least) is Chloe Grace Moretz. She is another young performer that never fails to amaze me. Chloe nailed the British accent and brilliantly portrayed a bright, energetic Isabelle.

This movie has it all: beautiful visuals, super-talented cast, magic, love, heart, feeling, emotion. Best Picture Nomination for sure, and quite possibly others. Overall, this movie is a must-see. It was the most enjoyable theater experience that I've ever had. The entire theater broke into applause once it ended. This film has something for all ages, and it's really something special.

Especially if you love adventure, mystery, wonder, and have a bright imagination, you will fall in love with this film just like I did.

"Come and dream with me."

Pleasant, but unfortunately too modest and lacking ambition

[Samiam3 · 6/10 · 2 December 2011]

Tackling 3D for the first time, I think Scorsese has hit the ball out of the park with Hugo, his film was gorgeous. Unfortunately he forgot to give us a compelling story.

Hugo is a noble film, but it is never quite sure what kind of film it wants to be. It is a little too mature to be a kids movie, yet it's too cartoonish to be an adult movie. One minute, it is played as a fantasy in the kind of world where the moon is bigger than the Eiffel Tower, and the next minute the film is played realistically; a serious biography of one of cinema's pioneers. Indeed Hugo's best quality after it's look, is its educational factor. How Ironic it is to be watching bits of hundred year old George Melies films on a cinematic format that was almost invented yesterday. The photography was diverse and spectacular, the characters were charming and quirky, but in the end, the movie just wasn't compelling enough.

I went in expecting to laugh and cry in all the right places, and I didn't. I guess that's more Spielberg's terrain; Scorsese is much colder than that of course. Hugo is pleasant, but it's not a great movie

A Treat For Movie Buffs

[ccthemovieman-1 · 9/10 · 20 March 2012]

Like many, I suspect, I went into this film ready to be dazzled by the cinematography and a rare, nice clean story by Director Martin Scorcese. I wasn't disappointed although I found the story lagging in a few brief spots. Cutting the film another 10 minutes might have solved that. Having said that, though, a month later I'm all ready to view it again!

To me, the most interesting and amazing scenes were not involving the two young main characters and the railroad station, but the ones in the last 30-or-so minutes which dealt with very early films and how they made them. It was incredibly colorful and an education to film buffs everywhere. Anyone who loves movies and appreciates the history of the art should love the last part of this story.

Meanwhile, the bulk of the story still offers many great sights and sounds and I have no quibbles with any of the actors. Youngsters Asa Butterfield ("Hugo") and Cholë Grace Moretz ("Isabelle") were both about 13 when they made this and seem to have good careers ahead of them. I didn't recognize Sacha Baron Cohen as the station inspector. He was great in that role. As for Ben Kingsley, when is he ever bland?

This is one of those "family films" that can be enjoyed just as much - and probably more - by adults. I wish Scorcese would make more of this kind of material.

Good for the kids, not so much for adults who've seen the classics

[shm777 · 6/10 · 27 October 2020]

This film gets a lot of praise, and while it is well done and surely entertaining for the younger audiences, anyone who has seen a fair number of films besides the usual latest pop stuff at the theaters will recognize that every single thing about the film is taken from earlier movies. "An ode to the earliest days of cinema" it may be... in fact, every idea, premise, theme, every mood evoked, etc. has been used before. And that gets pretty boring after a while.

Beautiful film for cinema fans

[SheerLight · 9/10 · 25 November 2011]

Someone compared this movie to a Hans Christian Andersen tale and I think this is about as good a comparison as it gets. Some people find it boring and painful, others are mesmerized and inspired by the story it tells and the way it does so. In short, if you prefer Disney's version of the little mermaid story, you will likely be disappointed by Hugo.

On the other hand, if you like the attention to detail and the not entirely happy endings of Andersen's classic short stories, you will probably find that Hugo is a captivating film that is hard to describe in a few words. It really lives in a lot more than three dimensions.

If you also happen to be a cinema fan, you will love it even more. What is a cinema fan? It's person that appreciates films for more than just their entertainment value. The way movies are made, the different layers of audio, visuals, emotions, symbols, the photography, the standout supporting casts, the way you can predict the cliché moves sometimes, but love it anyway. We love the good movies, like the bad ones, and films like Hugo make our hearts sing.

One last note on the use of 3D. I usually avoid 3D versions of movies because that feature has not yet proved itself to be more than just a gimmick. In Hugo's case, it is still partially true. I watched it in 3D and the opening sequence in the train station as well as a couple other select shots were exceptionally staged for 3D. Aside from that though, you get used to the effect and thankfully, it's the story that stays in the center of attention, followed by beautiful cinematography, characters, and 3D is trailing humbly behind. If you have the opportunity, watch the 3D version, but you will not really love it in 2D any less.

Some Thoughts...

[artistgp · 6/10 · 2 July 2013]

This is a tough one to break down. The movie was brilliantly shot, but I must say that it seemed to fail at ever fully creating the majestic mood it was going for. The pacing made it very tough to become completely engaged in the first half of the movie. The second portion did take it up a notch and add something to the film.

It mainly felt like he made this film as an excuse to tell the origins of film, or at least through one persons life. The acting was hit and miss, but overall I enjoyed the film because it tried to have a big heart and that is at least worth something.

These are just my thoughts, I'd suggest that you watch the film yourself and see what you think.

A Cinematic Wonder

[Loving_Silence · 10/10 · 29 December 2011]

Martin Scorcese's new film, Hugo is one of the best cinematic experience, I've had in years. The 3D is just simply astounding and the best I have ever seen in a movie. The visual effects, cinematography, art direction, just technically superb. Finally a smart, awe-aspiring family film, which are really rare nowadays. A definite surprise coming from legendary director, Martin Scorcese, who's known for movies with a lot of swears, violence, drugs and other adult-themed subjects.

The acting was really good and completely convincing. Asa Butterfield delivers a very committed performance as Hugo Cabret, and he shows a lot of promise in his future career. Chloë Grace Moretz, also gives a fine and respectable performance. Sacha Baron Cohen is surprisingly very effective as Station Inspector. Ben Kingsley gives the best performance in the whole movie, he is just superb and deserves some recognition. Overall, the whole cast was top notch.

Eyes may be the window to the soul, but movies are the projection of our dreams, according to "Hugo" that is. Martin Scorsese's first attempt at a children's film might be over most of their adolescent heads, but this founding member of the "Movie Brats" might've just concocted a delectable cinematic treat that speaks to most film lovers' surrealist commitment to the big screen. In retrospect, it works, and this enchanting flick is one of the best of the year.

3D extravaganza

[customlewis · 7/10 · 6 December 2011]

Was it just me or did the 3D budget get spent on the opening sequences? The first 5 or 10 minutes had me smiling and dodging, almost had to swish my hands in front of my face just in case but as the story grew into place I don't really remember things popping out anymore. It was a fun story none the less, and informative too for any fan of the visual arts. Travel back to a visual experience only glimpsed today in the older architectures of Paris. Then travel back again as the characters explore a mystery with clues tied to a previous era of art and invention. All in all a fun story to watch if you are in the mood for something light iced with a 3D visual flourish.

A Visual Masterpiece, but Lacking in Everything Else

[achsaphillippi8 · 3/10 · 29 November 2011]

Martin Scorsese's first kid's movie falls short of its expectations. After seeing the trailers, my family and I had very high expectations for this movie, and we eagerly went out and saw it in the theaters. We walked out extremely disappointed.

First of all, the trailers were completely misleading. My first impression was that the movie was about a boy trying to uncover a great mystery left behind in the wake of his father's death. I thought the movie was going to open up into an enchanting adventure, complete with suspense, action, and magic. I didn't get any of those things. This movie starts out will a long build-up, with the audience waiting for this magical adventure to get underway, only to keep them waiting for another hour or so, where nothing interesting or magical happens.

The pacing in the movie is terrible. The movie opens with some stunning visuals, the camera panning over the Paris cityscape and eventually showing us around the train station where the protagonist, Hugo, lives. We get the story of his father's death, and are left with a sense of wonder. We want to know what the automaton is for, why Ben Kingsely's character is so bitter, and what this adventure Hugo promises his little gal-friend is and when it's going to happen. The movie starts and stops, then drags for a bit, then starts, and drags for a long time before grinding to an unsatisfying halt. The adventure doesn't happen. All that waiting around... for nothing.

I don't really know what to say about the acting in this movie. Most of the actors had good moments and bad moments. The dialog was lacking. The characters spent more time staring at each other than actually talking. Some of the facial expressions and emotional reactions were a little on the melodramatic side. (POSSIBLE SPOILERS)Ben Kingsley gets pissy because the two kids find out that he used to make movies? Hugo throws a fit because the automaton didn't work as he expected to? I don't think these were appropriate responses to their situations.

The one good thing I have to say about this movie is that the visuals were absolutely gorgeous. From the cold blue lighting in the snowy outdoor scenes, to the orange-y warmth of the train station, to the powerful metallic essence of the gears and clockwork in the tower, this movie has some of the best 3D effects that I've seen since that awful, shallow Avatar. The problem is, the magical visuals cannot make up for the drab and very UN-magical story.

Overall, the magical, engaging adventure the trailers promised does not exist. The movie's pace is very slow. Some of the acting is questionable. The visuals were good, but they didn't save the movie. Do not go to this movie expecting something with substance. And definitely do not bring your kids to this movie; they will be bored to tears.

Visually Stunning. The best 3D to date

[Balzer13 · 6 November 2011]

Saw it today in a sneak preview today at the Director's Guild in LA. James Cameron who was there professed it's a masterpiece and the best 3D to date. And he's right on both fronts. The film is exquisitely crafted. The cinematography and set design is likely going to take home a couple gold guys. It's a film lover's dream movie. As with many of Scorsese's films, it's an inspired film history lesson along side of being a dreamlike children's fable. A really unique combination that will work for the film enthusiasts and discerning family's with kids. Maybe a bit long for broad audiences with very little kids, but the images are so enchanting, it should win over most everybody. Sasha Baron Cohen is a brilliant and hilarious standout as the twitchy constable. It should be very well received just on the 3D alone.

Long Live Scorsese

[littlemartinarocena · 10/10 · 16 December 2011]

A film adventure in every sense of the word. I was propelled into Martin Scorsese's cinematic mind in a film he made for his 12 year old daughter. Everything about it speaks of love of cinema. I wept, I must confess it right here and now. I really wept. Not just for the humanity of the story but by the heart and mind of the man behind the camera. This is the same man who gave us "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull", "Goodfellas" Every detail enriches our experience. Dante Ferreti's production design is, monumental, costumes, photography and Howard Shore's score are, quite simply, breath taking. I'm running out of superlatives and I haven't yet mentioned Sacha Baron Cohen, priceless. There is moment in which our young protagonists sneak into a movie theater and sit in amazement watching Harold Lloyd hanging from the clock. For me, to see Lloyd in the big screen as part of Martin Scorsese's latest dream, is the highest and most moving point of my movie going year.

A simply glorious ode to early cinema

[Will_Malone · 8/10 · 23 July 2012]

It has taken me a long time to get round to watching Hugo, but I am so glad that I did. This is a wonderful and simply glorious ode to early cinema told through the eyes of Hugo (Asa Butterfield), an orphan who after the death of his clockmaker father (Jude Law) ends up living in the walls of a Parisian train station charged with winding the station's numerous clocks.

Hugo's only link back to his late father is through a majestic mechanical automaton, a sort of tin man which his father had been restoring in his spare time. As appears to be the way with all tin men this one is also missing a heart, but this time it is a heart shaped key which Hugo is convinced if he can find will unlock the secrets inside. This leads young Hugo on a dangerous but adventurous search which often lands him in the clutches of either the local shopkeeper (Ben Kingsley) or the Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen). Help is at hand though from the shopkeeper's god daughter Isabelle (Chloe Grace Moretz) and as the two join forces they soon discover they have more in common than they thought.

In Hugo, Scorsese has produced a truly magical tale which sucks the viewer into the screen via the innovative use of 3D so immersing us within the dynamics of Parisian life and the wonders that take place within the walls of the station. Butterfield is perfectly cast as young Hugo, a curious young boy determined to survive in a hard and cold world which constantly seems to deal him a bad hand; you simply can't help but love him. Moretz after a slightly shaky start soon finds her feet (and her accent), Kingsley is excellent, especially as the story develops and there is strength in depth from a top notch supporting cast including Emily Mortimer, Ray Winstone and Christopher Lee to name but a few.

Hugo's strength however is in its story, which effortlessly unfolds in front of you with real grace and elegance. Scorsese's love for the history of his craft and his desire to share this tale of early cinema is evident in every frame. Whilst it may not be the most historically accurate portrayal of cinematic history it has a true and good heart which beautifully captures the essence of what is cinema.

Some people have criticised Scorsese for creating a children's movie that is inaccessible for most children. I strongly disagree on this point. To me Hugo is a classic children's movie which works across all age spectrums, much in a similar vain to Spielberg's ET. In a world of Woody, Buzz, Jessie and meatballs that fall from the sky (which don't get me wrong are all fabulous in their own right), it is refreshing to see a children's movie of old. It feels like a magical Christmas movie to me, perfectly accessible and enjoyed by all.

Hugo is fully deserving of the many accolades that it picked up during the awards season. It is a wonderful and engaging film which I will show my children when they are a little older and I am certain they will fall in love with cinema in the same way their father need did so many years ago.

Review by Will Malone www.maloneonmovies.com

A Heartwarming Film for All

[jacobclark512 · 7/10 · 7 March 2014]

It is clearly evident in Hugo that Martin Scorsese has made this to be a very personal film in its design. No effort was spared in visual effects, production design, or cinematography. The visual effects are exciting and awe-inspiring, especially for those dazzled by color and intricacy (read: children). The production design is incredibly immersive, inviting us into an incredible new world. The cinematography is very good as well, capturing all the actors' emotions with pristine clarity. The film itself is very warm and heart-warming all around, making it very inviting and easy on the eyes.

The visual dazzle of Hugo draws the viewer into a heart-warming story about an orphaned boy searching for his father and a retired filmmaker searching for his former passion. The crossing of their paths will change both of their lives forever. This story is well-conveyed by Asa Butterfield and Ben Kingsley, as the chemistry between the two only adds to the impact on the viewer's emotions. The supporting cast is just as good, adding dimension and liveliness to the movie.

The only criticism I have of Hugo is its length. It feels like a very long film even though it is only 125 minutes. This dragging feeling has a chance of alienating most of its potential audience: families. However, Hugo is a film that even the most stingy of critics will like due to its emotional journey and warm, inviting character that allows all to enjoy it.

Beautiful!!

[PhillipMichaelH · 10/10 · 23 November 2011]

I just returned home after seeing Hugo on opening day and if I can describe this film in one word, it would be beautiful. This film has inspired me in ways that I can't even begin to explain. It's been a while since I've seen a film that spoke to me as personally as this film did. I'm a fan of Martin Scorsese and he's crafted a beautiful ode to not only cinema but also imagination and in a way, it celebrates all the things that help us escape. The world is a scary place and everyone goes through pain and suffering but if you just try and learn to dream, find your voice and not be afraid then you would be surprised what could happen.

I love how this film tells the amazing story of pioneer filmmaker Georges Melies who many of today's directors such as Steven Spielberg and James Cameron owe everything to. I love his films and I own a box set of his work, it's wonderful to see more people be introduced to him and the magic he created that continues to capture the imagination of many.

So if you love the cinema and magic then I highly recommend this masterpiece. Hugo is really something special I think.

More nostalgia than adventure - this is a film about dreams.

[The_Invisible_Dog · 7/10 · 13 December 2011]

The site reviews of this film seem to be one extreme or the other. I can see both sides.

I'm sure that many felt disappointed in this movie because they expected a fun filled, family, Christmassy, period adventure film in 3D. It does come across that way from the marketing.

True it has all those elements, but what is unclear until you see this film is it is less of a family adventure movie and more a nostalgic look back at the glorious and magical days of early film. Particularly it is a biographical story about the great film pioneer George Melies.

If early film is not something that interests you, then you probably won't be 100% interested in everything this film has to offer. But beyond that there is still a wonderful world of magic, mechanics, childhood, wonder and dreams, all set in a bygone age, making 'Hugo' a real treat in it's own right.

Plus it's a joy to see a 3D film set in snowy, golden 1930's Paris rather than just 3D action blockbusters.

'Hugo' is brimming with Martin Scorcese's affection for the subject.Not just one of the world's greatest film historians, here he has brought the old world of film to life. Stories can be more powerful than text books.

In fact, my most magical moments of the movie were the scenes of Melies shooting his films back in the early 1900s. 'Hugo' allows us to revisit and re-experience these old treasures in a whole new light - now in glorious colour and 3D. You can trust Scorcese to get the accuracy of the details just right.

So this for me, is Scorcese's greatest magic trick in the film - breathing new life into old classics. I'm sure Melies would have approved and probably would have shot them in colourful 3D himself, had he had the technology back in 1900. 110 years later - Scorcese is doing it for him. I actually found this quite a moving tribute.

Also worth adding is Sacha Baron Cohen's character and acting were hilarious. Echoes of Peter Sellers in Dr Strangelove. Made me laugh out loud a few times. I put that in here because there are some negative reviews of him and i think those people may have missed the subtly, nuance and timing of which Cohen is a master.

So overall, expect less and get more. Expect a movie about film nostalgia and experience a movie about dreams, magic and the warming of the human soul.

Now i know what to expect of 'Hugo', i'm sure i will enjoy it even more on 2nd viewing. I'm sure others will too.

A Valentine To All Movie Lovers

[flixspix · 10/10 · 23 November 2011]

Without spoiling, consider a motion picture whose last 30 minutes are equal to the last 4 minutes of Cinema Paradiso. To be in a theater with people tearing up over images of vintage and historic cinema, so beautifully integrated into a dazzling and heartfelt story is something special indeed. Absolutely knock-out use of 3D, fantastic performances by everyone involved, glorious set design, music, costumes and state -of-the-art CGI that propel a story rather than being superficial, stand alone tricks makes HUGO a film for moviegoers world wide. Absolutely do not miss this film in a theater. The images are transporting and need to be experienced on the big screen.

Thanks Marty, for bringing to us all such a gift. This is truly one for the ages

Lush, beautiful to watch, great acting but a tad boring in parts.

[JimmyCollins · 6/10 · 18 January 2012]

Hugo has been lauded as a modern masterpiece and I can totally see why it has got the great rap that it has, Martin Scorcese is a director who doesn't do anything half great, it's always perfect and exceptional, and Hugo is no exception to that, however I do think that there is a severe lack in plot. The gorgeous look and feel of the film didn't override the fact that for 2 thirds of the film I was somewhat bored and uninterested, the plot doesn't seem to really take off until the third act, after that it is a truly wonderful film going experience.

The production of this film is just exceptional, from the opening scenes of Paris to the closing scenes of the automaton the way the film looks can simply take your breath away. The music is divine and beautiful to hear as it is perfectly suited to the time and place. And the acting is wonderful, Asa Butterfield who is in pretty much every scene is a great young actor who I'm sure will be mega, and Chloe Moretz impresses with a very different role to her usual roles, she is already huge and just seems to get better and bigger, she will definitely be winning awards very soon I think, and the supporting cast are swell, none really standout but they are all great.

A few other things I had a problem with was continuity. I picked up on quite a gee things that didn't match up, and also Emily Mortimer's role was very underwritten, I think for a tiny part such as hers it should have been played by an unknown, not a distinguished actress who is far beneath a tiny role. I mean if you can forgive it for it's few tiny flaws, it's slow pace and it's lack of plot you will really enjoy Hugo, it does pay off in the end.

But really it's worth seeing purely for the way it looks, and in 3d it's even more beautiful to watch. Give it a go. I'm sure you will probably love it.

A great film....and Martin Scorsese is now my hero....

[planktonrules · 10/10 · 2 January 2012]

While I have given "Hugo" a well-deserved 10, I am don't think this film is for everyone. Despite the advertising campaign which made it look like a kids' movie, it is NOT. Now I am NOT saying it had adult content. Despite being directed by Martin Scorsese ("Taxi Driver", "Goodfellas" and "Raging Bull"), it is very family-friendly--without cursing, sex or violence. But, I also think younger kids would be totally bored to tears by the film--particularly late in the movie. Don't bring kids younger than about 10--they will most likely feel restless the longer the film progresses.

For folks like me, "Hugo" is an absolute must-see. I adore silent films and of the early silents, Georges Méliès is like a god. I have reviewed at least a hundred and have seen just about every existing film the man made...because they are THAT good. He was a brilliant early filmmaker who introduced lots of camera tricks and made extremely fanciful films. I could try to describe them further, but it's best you just see a few yourself. And, in addition to a plot that eventually turns to a homage of Méliès, it features clips from some of the great silents that I have long loved. In particular, a nice chunk of Harold Lloyd's "Safety Last" is included...as well as clips and posters from "The General", "The Kid", "Judex", "Fantome", "The Great Train Robbery" and many other seminal films any cinephile worth his salt would have seen and loved.

Despite EVENTUALLY being all about the wonderful Georges Méliès, you would not know this through at least half the film. I knew--because I know his films and instantly recognized Ben Kingsley as Méliès--the makeup was dead on the mark. Otherwise, it's an intriguing film about a strange orphan--an orphan that literally lives within the ductwork and walls of a train station in Paris! He has a bizarre obsession to complete the restoration of an amazingly complex automaton that was begun by his father--before the man's untimely death. Yet, despite being anchored by a boy, it is NOT a film strictly for the kids. I'd say more about the plot, but frankly you just need to see it for yourself.

Why I loved this film is not just because it's a delightful homage to silent films (which, by the way, has made Scorsese practically a god among filmmakers to me). It's also because I have never seen a better use of 3-D and the film just looks exquisite--and it seems to have a lock on the Oscars for cinematography and art direction. Now I am NOT just talking about incorporating wonderful 3-D tricks into the film (like they did so well with "How to Train Your Dragon" with all the great flying sequences)--but integrating them in a more artistic manner that is not distracting but enhances the film throughout and makes you admire all the wonderful eye candy. I also loved the great use of computers to colorize flashback scenes to make them appear to be a nice homage to the early hand-colored films of Méliès. And, when it's not in flashbacks, the film simply looks like you are in early 1930s Paris.

I also loved the film because of the nice performances. Sacha Baron Cohen is more subtle and likable here than usual and I loved the performances by the kids in the film. Ben Kingsly was great--but he's nearly always great.

Finally, perhaps the best thing about the film is that it is so different. Watch the film and then try to think of another film that reminds you of "Hugo"--I seriously doubt if you'll be able to do this--the film is THAT unique!

Martin Scorse's not quite so but almost magical tribute to Georges Melies and early cinema

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 12 January 2017]

'Hugo' may not be among Martin Scorsese's best, but only because films like 'Goodfellas', 'Raging Bull' and 'Taxi Driver', to name a few, are so good and among the best films ever made. Even when Scorsese was not at his best, he was still vastly superior to a lot of directors at their worst.

There is a huge amount to like about 'Hugo', but it is also easy to see why it won't be the cup of tea of some people. For me it was an uneven film, that had many moments where it achieved what it set out to do and others where it didn't, and it is this unevenness that to me that makes 'Hugo' so polarising, loved by some but despised by others.

Starting with the numerous positives, the production values are just exquisite. While my vote for the Best Cinematography Oscar that year would have gone to 'The Tree of Life', 'Hugo's' cinematography is still some of the most beautiful of the year making it one of the year's visually striking films. The set and costume design are both clever and a feast for the eyes, likewise with the 3D effects (some of the best 3D effects personally ever seen in a film, and actually propel the film rather than distracting from), and the lighting also does nothing to hinder that.

Music is haunting, emotive and whimsical in equal measures, and Scorsese shows here how talented a director he is. It is clear that the project meant a lot to him and that he had a lot of love and passion for paying tribute to Melies and early cinema. One also has to give him credit for do something different from the norm, the three big ones being the film being adapted from a children's book (a first for Scorsese), his first use of 3D and having a family that isn't the Mafia.

Along with the visuals, what is also note-worthy is the last thirty minutes. Whatever quibbles can be had with the rest of the film, this part of the film is very nostalgic, thought-provoking and extremely heartfelt. The script doesn't always work but has a lot of philosophical and historical insight, is emotive and does provoke thought in places. There are some good performances in the cast. Asa Butterfield is understated but never cold or a blank in a role that is not as easy as some think, and Chloe Grace Moretz is bright, energetic and charming. Christopher Lee's screen time is limited but it was still a pleasure to see him, a great example of an actor who can do no wrong. Best of all is a superb in every way Ben Kingsley, one of the most experienced and mostly consistent actors who can be relied on to give his all and he does here.

Granted, 'Hugo' is not without its problems. The film is perhaps too long and the pace definitely could have been tightened with a little trimming. That way, some of the storytelling's pacing wouldn't have felt as erratic with the first twenty minutes jumping around to rushed and sprawling effect and while mostly attention-grabbing parts in the middle drag and meander story-wise.

Also could have done without the subplot with Sacha Baron Cohen. That took up too much of the story, and saw some laboured and forced humour (mostly the humour doesn't work) and Baron Cohen overacting so wildly he comes over as more silly and annoying rather than funny and a threat. It may have been an attempt to bridge any gaps but to me it just felt out of place, self-indulgent and jarred too much with everything else. There are numerous cameos from talented actors, but most of them have barely anything to do, so much so you forget that they were even in the film (Jude Law being a prime example).

Concluding this review, less than completely magical but almost. A lot is done right but the film also could have been done better. Not a great film but there was a lot to like and still ended up appreciating it. 7/10 Bethany Cox

An Empty Candy Wrapper..

[dekadent · 1/10 · 28 November 2011]

Hugo is a beautifully made movie with great 3D effects. Yet with the misleading advertising, the story that goes nowhere, and with over 2 hour runtime it is one hell of a boring movie.

Please do not believe 8.3 IMDb and 94% RT ratings, this movie one of the most overrated movies in the history of the film, the word 'history' is the key one here. When everything is said and done Hugo reveals itself as nothing but a cleverly disguised homage to one of the French pioneering movie directors, a subject interesting primarily for the movie history buffs.

As I said Hugo is hugely misrepresented in advertising. Every poster tells you that some Narnia type adventure is awaiting you. All the trailers were masterfully crafted to leave you with expectation of magical miracle. The words like 'quest' and 'mystery' are a part of Hugo's brief description on each and every site, just read what it says on IMDb. Furthermore the word "adventure" is lavishly sprinkled throughout the Hugo's first part. And yes, great Martin Scorsese is behind all of it, so what should you expect but a magical adventure on a grandeur scale ?

Sorry, you will get none of that. Yes, Hugo is like a charming 3D French postcard, but its not worth looking at for over 2 hours. 3D effects are well done, yet absolutely not required for this story that never leaves the setting of Paris train station.

While plot has some holes, the elephant in the room is that pretty much nothing happens in the movie with all these mechanical dolls, golden keys, and the visually rich Dickensian atmosphere. And be sure, there is absolutely no magic, or any type of adventure hidden here.

I am giving Hugo just one star to counter misleading ads and all those hypists that ether work for the studio, or easily hypnotized by big director's name. Please have few good games on your smartphone and bring a thermos with coffee if you decide to go see this snoozefest, you will need it.