Very rarely does a 3D family film come out that… well, let’s face it, isn’t utter crap.  Usually, it’s one or the other; you can see a 3D movie with an amazing story, but annoying 3D (Deathly Hallows is a good example), or a crap story with spectacular 3D (Avatar… hurr).  ”Hugo” happens to be a shining example of a movie that has a wonderful story and smile-inducing 3D.

STORY = 5/5

I went in seeing Hugo having only slightly an idea in regards to what the story actually was about.  To my surprise, it was an absolute marvel of a tale that really hit home with me.  The gist of the film is this; how magic can exist on screen; in movies and film.  That’s not me talking about Hugo, that was actually the plot of the film.  It is an amazing tale of a retired film director from the pioneer days of the industry and how he lost his passion.  Luckily, through a series of seemingly un-related events, our film’s orphaned hero, Hugo, meets this man and, without spoiling anything, discovers what his former life was all about.  It’s a story of the innocence of childhood (along with adorable puppy love), never giving up on your dreams, and love in a form we just too often don’t see on film anymore.  Spectacular story.

TECHNICAL PROWESS = 5/5

Sheer beauty.  The cinematography, the special effects, the 3D, the animation, the period pieces… all were near perfection.  I didn’t want to film to end, I was so enthralled with the experience Scorsese brought to the screen with ‘Hugo.’  The 3D, like I mentioned, was actually very well done, and spectacular fun to view, without it distracting you from the excellent story, which seems to be the downfall of films made in 3D.  Some of the 1930′s film recreations were absolutely marvelous.

ACTING= 5/5

Every character was played especially well, but most importantly, the two child leads were impeccable in their portrayal of  Hugo and Isabelle.  Asa Butterfield (You might have seen him in ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’) and Chloë Grace Moretz  (Vampire story ‘Let Me In’ and Action-comedy ‘Kick-Ass’), were two of the most brilliant young actors I’ve ever seen on screen.  The chemistry they had, even as two children, were outstanding.  Ben Kingsley (whom I’ve always enjoyed) did a spectacular job in his role as well, and, surprisingly, Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat, Bruno) can play a character that is lovable and not profane!  Imagine that!

SOUNDTRACK/MUSIC = 5/5

The film was filled with silent-movie-style piano music, French violin melodies, and charming, magical pieces that really ties together the feel of being in post-WWII France.  Beautiful and memorable, Hugo’s score will be known as the icing on this already-delicious cake.

OVERALL = 5/5

One of the best films I saw this year, standing next to ‘Super 8′ and ‘Drive.’  I cannot recommend this film highly enough.  Absolutely marvelous from beginning to end.  If you’re not a fan of 3D, though, see it in Martin Scorsese’s best ever.  I really mean that.  Something that must be experienced on the big screen.

CONTENT WARING
Actual Rating: PG
Worthy Rating: G

No sex.  No language (seriously – I don’t think I heard a single ‘what the hell’ in there).  No violence.  The only scary image I can think of is during a dream sequence, Hugo has a scary dream, but really, that’s it.  I think there was some smoking at one point, and Ben Kingsley’s character is kind of a mean old man at some parts, but really, any one should be able to handle it.  Great family movie that isn’t a kids’ movie, if you know what I mean.  Too often, the motion picture industry will market a children’s movie as a ‘family movie,’ when it’s not.  Hugo, though, is a family movie.  Go see it!

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