Hugo

Absolute perfection

My rating: 5 reels out of 5

From the opening moments, you are instantly transported to 1930s Paris. We open up to a cityscape of Paris and then the camera brings us in closer to a train station. Our attention focuses to a young man peeping through a number on a clock in the wall. He is our protagonist, he is Hugo Cabret. Hugo is an orphaned boy who lives in the walls of a train station who gets caught up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. 

Hugo is an absolute perfect movie. There was some deep thought put into every aspect of this film. The music and costume design easily reflect the time. Cinematography is stunning. The art direction is intricate, especially within the walls of the train station. Screenwriting is superb. Editing is flawless and all the cast members are the perfect fit in their roles. Martin Scorsese does a fantastic job in bringing out the best in the actors, from the extras to the major roles. 

My particular favorite roles in the film were played by Chloë Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, and Sacha Baron Cohen. Chloë, best known for her roles in 500 Days of Summer and Kick Ass, brings a lot of charm and a jovial performance as Isabelle. She is going to be a force to recon with in the future and does a British accent pretty well. Ben Kingsley shows the pain and suffering in a depressed toy shop owner. And Sacha Baron Cohen intelligently acts as a station inspector; a role that could've been easily too comedically goofy, but Sacha gives the right amount of humor and humanity to the role. 

From beginning to end, I was just in awe of this film. The story is fresh and brings a mystery that is not easily solved. The movie is just a great blend of humor, drama, and mystery. The film is even more enjoyable for film buffs as a little bit of film history was incorporated in. Hugo is one of those rare films that just flat out amazes you.

You'll probably like this film if:

1. You like Scorsese films.

2. You are a film buff.

You probably won't enjoy this film if:

1. You're expecting more of a kids film.

2. It just doesn't seem like it's your kind of film.