93% Hugo

Hugo is the most unlikely film Martin Scorsese would make, and yet, it is one of his best. The technical wizardry is fantastic, and the story being told here is among the greatest of children's stories, one that treats all its viewers with intelligence and inspiration. It is also among Scorsese's most personal films. It's strange that he would make a family friendly epic, shot in 3D in an almost fantasy-like world, but Scorsese's touch is delicate, affirmed, and sure of the film he wants to make.The opening shot of Hugo is of a moving camera swooping along an overview of Paris into a train station wherein lives Hugo Cabret (played exceptionally well by Asa Butterfield). Forget Avatar. If I was ever to be convinced on 3D as a new film medium as opposed a passing fad, this single shot would be the one to do it. It's a glorious shot, well timed, well controlled, and the CGI is blended in firmly with the reality. As we meet and get to know Hugo, we see that he is an orphan living in the train station. He manages to maneuver through a system in the walls that lead to all the clocks, remaining anonymous and resorting to stealing food in order to survive while avoiding capture by the station inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen). One day, he meets Georges Melies (Ben Kingsley), a toy merchant who also happens to be one of the great pioneers of the movies. Hugo loves the movies as they are his form of escape. They inspire him to dream and one day become more than who he is. Hugo longs to find meaning in his life, as well as a place to call his own. He misses his father, who left him a broken automaton that, once fixed, may hold his father's final secret. As his journey unfolds, he develops a great friendship with Isabelle (the talented Chloe Grace Moretz), who he is able to confide in.The first half of Hugo is a technical marvel. It boasts a magical and intriguing children's mystery set to the backdrop of a beautiful train station. Scorsese has also purposely overlit the setting, so that the film won't be too dark when seen through 3D glasses. It's also not a busy 3D; the camera may swoop in and out of areas, but it is a smooth, fluid movement that didn't make me sick in the least. Scorsese has perfect control of this technology.The second half pays a wholehearted tribute to the history of the first movies. Where a film like The Artist examines an early period in film history, Hugo examines what makes cinema so special. Films have the ability to inspire, to help us find meaning in our own lives. In many ways, film helps us live better. Scorsese knows this, and hopefully, Hugo will inspire many kids to follow their dreams.

February 23, 2012

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hugo/

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