Sunday, January 15, 2012

MOVIE REVIEW ... HUGO

 
hugo-poster02Based on Brian Selznick’s novel it’s easy to see how Hugo’s story attracted director Martin Scorsese.  Detailing a boy’s love of movies equalling the passion Scorsese has shown towards his craft.  Although rather unorthodox given previous adult orientated output, it finds Scorsese delivering a film for younger viewers.  Generally succeeding in conjuring an enchanting tale his determination in exploring all facets of a medium in which he has made his name is admirable.
 
Hugo (Asa Butterfield) is a young orphan responsible for maintaining the railway station clocks after his Uncle vanishes.  Under the suspicious gaze of station Inspector Gustav (Sacha Baron Cohen), he stumbles upon a robot left to him by his deceased father.  Aiming to repair the broken machine, his attempts are thwarted by Georges (Ben Kingsley) a cynical toy-shop owner.  Helped by Isabelle (Chloe Grace Moretz), Hugo tries to find ways to fix his discovery while indulging in the movie magic he craves.
 
Unlike many half-hearted recent children’s movies, Hugo reaps the rewards of care and attention given.  Whilst the story tends to meander occasionally it’s a lovingly produced ode to movies’ allure.  When Hugo becomes enraptured by the images he sees on screen, the story examines how the moving pictures bring much needed escape.  This strand is given added impact due to situations being based on real events with the beginnings of the motion picture industry portrayed in an entertaining way.
 
Scoring greatly in its cast and wonderful production design bring an authentic sense of ‘magic’ without becoming bogged in sugary sentiment.  Scorsese is too clever to go down that path and avoids ‘talking down’ to his audience with a script assuming viewers have some degree of intelligence.  Issues of self-esteem and belonging add genuine soul and are expertly interwoven into the narrative.  Coupled with many references to cinema’s early years, lovers of the art-form should find much to enjoy.
 
Hugo is that rare breed of film that is all-ages entertainment as well as enlightening those unaware of cinema’s heritage.  Martin Scorsese continues to be on a roll with his films becoming a part of the cinema’s great tapestry.
 
trailer-hugo-released

Movie Review Rating 8 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Hugo
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia. 
 
TRAILER
MOVIE
SOUNDTRACK

No comments:

Post a Comment