Hugo (2011)
Bringing wonder back to cinema.
Presentation:
When Martin Scorsese isn’t making epic masterpieces of violence and travesty, he shows his innocent side capable of doing the same for family adventure films. I’m normally not a fan of family films, but he is able to make it lighthearted but also appreciated by adults all the same. This is quite an imaginative and magical closed universe. There are elements of wonders and dreams all meshed into one cohesive film. Magic, cinema, clockmaking, steampunk, France, you name it, this film’s probably got it. The blueish grey and wonderful costumes and mechanical contraption satiate that boy’s aesthetic dream. CGI is quite prevalent but not to be taken too seriously. Our lead is quite sympathetic and Chloe Grace Moretz anchors in on that childhood pure love that melts our hearts. The film is a bit long and drags on at times but for the most part is tightly paced. It does have serious undertones of a man that has lost his dreams for the adults, and I would say is mostly successful in catering toward all audiences.
Conclusion:
If you wanted to rekindle your childhood wonder, this film could do it for you. In any case, it is a fantastic film targeted toward kids and teenagers. It’s fanciful like French films and overall quite endearing. Scorsese tries to eat more than he can chew with this one by adding in some non complementary arcs, but for the most part accomplishes what it sets out to do. To give us wonder and allow us to dream again.
Recommendations
Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie.