Hugo

I read the book Hugo in the 5th grade I think but it is only a vague memory. The film adaption is is a different type of kids movie. It is a masterpiece film that does everything the right way and works on every level.

The main setting is in a train station in the middle of Paris in 1931. The plot follows the book storyline of how an orphan named Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) finds a key and a secret that dates back to his dead parents. The key and secret will change his life and history forever.

The film is directed by Martin Scorsese. He brings the film into the light by making it more of a family film than you might think. He makes Paris of the 1930's really stand out. CGI works in the backgrounds even though it's does not really seem like a heavy CGI film.

The film has some good performances. Asa Butterfield is a rather new actor who hasn't been in many movies and delivers a fine performance that should help his career. Chloe Grace Mortez is another lead who's really in her prime now and is also good. The supporting cast of well known actors from Jude Law, Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen all do their usual solid work.

This film kind of got overlooked because I don't think this movie had a big target audience nor do I think many people remembered the book that well. I also think many people will regard it as only a kids film which it's not. Obviously, Martin Scorsese has done wonderful work in his career but to me, this is one of his most magical and powerful films. Hugo is a film that I wished more people cared about.

5/5