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The film “Hugo,” based on Brian Selznick’s award-winning New York Times bestseller, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” is a wonderful family film containing lessons that may be beneficial to all of us.
“Hugo” is the tale of a young orphan boy named Hugo Cabret, played by Asa Butterfield, who lives in the walls and hidden passageways of Paris’ train station in the early 1930s. Hugo’s father, played by Jude Law, died in an accident, so Hugo must live with his uncle and help to maintain the clocks of the city’s train station.
When Hugo’s uncle dies, he must learn to fend for himself, stealing food and other items from shops and carts, all while trying to outrun the station’s inspector, played by Sacha Baron Cohen.
Hugo’s life is turned upside down when Georges, the owner of a small toy store at the station played by Ben Kingsley, catches him stealing. Georges takes Hugo’s cherished notebook, the only thing other than a machine, called an automaton, that Hugo has as a memento of his father.
Shortly after, Hugo befriends Isabelle, a young girl raised by the shopkeeper and his wife, played by Chloe Grace Mortez. She promises to help get his notebook back and they quickly become friends. The two partake in numerous adventures, making surprising discoveries about Georges, Hugo’s father, the secret behind the automaton and their connection to motion pictures.
At first, you might wonder why Martin Scorsese, famous for the hardboiled “Goodfellas,” “Raging Bull,” and “Taxi Driver,” chose to direct a children’s movie. Scorsese does a great job teaching important lessons through his characters, and his passion for the film comes through in its overall tone, flow and heart-warming feel.
“Hugo” starts out slowly, showing glimpses of action, such as Hugo running through small, cramped passageways or running from the station inspector. The audience has no pretext to this action, leaving us to wonder why a small boy is running around, climbing up and down ladders and jumping around massive gears.
However, Scorsese does an excellent job reverting back to those very scenes and giving a detailed explanation as to why each of these actions occur, tying everything together.
Perhaps the only negative aspect of “Hugo” is the lack of plot toward the beginning of the film. While some scenes enjoyably glide along at an accelerated rate, others seem choppy and slow-paced. However, as the film progresses, the overall flow improves and the plot line speeds up, making for a more enjoyable experience.
Each actor brings forth a different element that helps bring the story to life and drive home what Scorsese is trying to accomplish. Butterfield and Mortez are phenomenal young actors with excellent stage presence and have great chemistry. Kingsley is easily the best actor in the film. He fills his character, Georges, with immense emotion and passion.
“Hugo” also boasts wonderful production design and special effects, which are highlighted further with 3D technology. With the constant movement of clock gears, and camera pans through steam and between people in the bustling city train station, the audience feels as though they are right next to Hugo, experiencing all of these things through his eyes. This film is 3D done right.
For those thinking this is merely a children’s or family film, think again. “Hugo” possesses great lessons for young and old audiences, and everyone in between. This film provides an emotional and intellectual viewing experience, allowing for a much more worthwhile and in-depth experience opposed to other films of its kind.
“Hugo” also contains abundant references to and information about the history of cinema, making this film interesting to an avid moviegoer or anyone curious to learn.
Overall, “Hugo” possesses many great qualities. No matter which age or background, this film will make anyone smile and appreciate what the world has to offer.
Grade: A
