Review of Hugo (2012) by Alex M — 10 Oct 2014

What a gem this film is. Nobody ever thought Martin Scorsese would direct a film based on a children's book, but he did, and I think it's one of his best films. It contains almost none of his trademarks (heavy violence and profanity), but that doesn't mean it's not great, because it is.

Given that the titular character in this film is a young boy, a great child actor was needed to carry this film, and Martin Scorsese found one in Asa Butterfield. Butterfield gives one of the best performances I've ever seen a child actor give, and I say that because nearly half of his scenes require him to convey his feelings non-verbally, something that not even some adult actors can do. Someday this kid is going to win an Oscar. It's not a question of if, but when he wins one.

Chloe Grace Moretz, aka Hit-Girl from the Kick-Ass films, plays the other main child character, Isabelle, and she does a fine job as well. Not a bad British accent for an American actress. The adult actors in this film are all great. The idea of Sacha Baron Cohen in this movie was baffling to me when I first heard the news, but when I saw this film, I noticed that he was absolutely perfect in his role as the hilarious, dastardly Station Inspector. Emily Mortimer is great as Lisette, the Station Inspector's love interest, Jude Law is great in his flashback scenes as Hugo's father, and Ben Kingsley is absolutely wonderful as Papa Georges, a toy vendor with a secret past.

Although it may not look like it, this film is a brilliant ode to the era of silent films, particularly those of Georges Melies, whom Ben Kingsley's character ultimately turns out to be. It's a film that can appeal to all ages without being sappy and clichéd. This was my favorite film of 2011, and if I were an Oscar voter, I would have voted for this to win Best Picture. Its 11 Oscar nominations and ultimately 5 Oscar wins were all well-deserved. It truly is a great film. 10/10.