Hugo

For those who have not seen Hugo yet, I think it may be a bit of a surprise when/if you do. The story follows the titular character (Asa Butterfield) and his friend Isabelle (Chloe Moretz) as they try and solve a puzzle, which they are both linked to. Hugo, an orphan living inside the walls of a train station possesses an automaton, which can only be activated by Isabelle’s heart-shaped key. From there the audience is brought on a journey through early film-making, which I really didn’t see coming. As I was familiar with some of the work being discussed in the film, I was interested but mass appeal is likely less than mine.

One thing that different demographics will agree on is how a unique feel is created from the visually stunning elements. Martin Scorsese directs the film, which makes sense given that there is an equal emphasis on story-telling and visual excellence. With that being said, the film drags a bit at times. My best explanation for this is because the first and second halves essentially act as different stories. Part one is the mystery and part two is the revelation where the audience figures out what is going on.

Those who have studied film or are interested by such things will likely swoon over Hugo. That’s why it has received such critical success. Not many movie-haters review films. The best thing Hugo has going for it is that the film is different. It doesn’t fit into typical categories and that is always a welcome sight. It may not be as appreciated by children, who are supposedly the target audience, but it is family friendly. There are messages about the relationships between social classes, but nothing too scary for kids. It is actually a very intriguing mystery. (9.1 out of 10)