Hugo [2011]
I know this is supposed to be a family movie. And who knows? Maybe I’m bitter. But I found most of Hugo to be extremely childish, all the while being completely aware that it’s next to impossible for a child to enjoy this film. The latest movie directed by Martin Scorsese is a mixed bag if I ever saw one. It alternates between being devastatingly dull and richly engrossing. The cast can be divided between good performances (Ben Kingsley, Helen McCrory, Michael Stuhlbarg), so-so ones (Chloë Moretz and Sacha Baron Cohen are a little exaggerated) and others that are lacking (Asa Butterfield, with the exception of his last scenes). For a first time 3D filmmaker, Scorsese makes great use of the technology, particularly during the dizzying, kinetic opening sequence. The technique is the most impressive thing about Hugo: aspects like set decoration, costume design and cinematography are absolutely flawless. When the movie explores and recreates the cinematic work of Georges Méliès, it soars. If only it had focused on this enchanting theme, instead of the not-very-interesting lives of its characters, we would’ve wound up with a more satisfying picture.
It’s kind of odd: I’ve heard broadly lots of great things about this film, but from people whose reviews I avidly read (particularly from you and Mark), I’ve been hearing that’s it just fine. Regardless, I’ll watch it myself when I get a chance. The only Scorsese film I can recall watching is The Departed (unless you count his 2008 documentary about the Stones), and the massively graphic violence and excessive swearing he put into that one makes me wonder how he would ever work out directing a family movie. 🙂 Also excited for Ben Kingsley from Schindler’s List and Gandhi. I haven’t read the book (The Invention of Hugo Cabret), but the author’s most recent book Wonderstruck makes me so much more excited to read the book, and then watch the movie when it’s on DVD. Enough of me. I’ve taken up almost this entire box. 🙂 Your review was succinct and well-written; I enjoyed it, as usual.
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You had a very similar reaction to this film as I did. It’s definitely worth seeing, but no where near the best film of the year. I separated my review into THE GOOD and THE BAD because the film had both. Great review Fernando!
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“It’s definitely worth seeing, but no where near the best film of the year.” Agree.
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Good review, Fernando.
I’m sorry you found some parts boring. It worked for me for some reason.
I agree that it might not be good for very young children as the payoff involves something which may not appeal to them.
I didn’t find the acting lacking, but you’re not the first to be disappointed with Butterfield.
Here’s my full review: http://intheframefilmreviews.blogspot.com/search?q=hugo
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