94% Hugo

"Hugo" is magic; the kind of tender, heartfelt magic that just doesn't inhabit any modern films these days. It's one of the most pure and cleansing cinematic experiences in memory. Though it is unlike anything the master has helmed before... it's pure Scorsese.Though "Hugo" has been billed and advertised as a children's film, it's deliberate pace and meticulous craft and attention to detail will appeal to older viewers. It's rich visuals and stunning cinematography and art direction will astound. Children might enjoy the adventure and the great young leads, but most of the themes and plot will go over their heads. They definitely will love the 3D, but so will adults. It's the best use of the format since "Avatar," and in ways surpasses that film with straight ambition. This was a very personal film for Scorsese and it shows in nearly every frame. It's a film of two parts; the studied seclusion of the title character Hugo, and later an homage to the earliest moments in cinema, subtlety advocating the importance of film preservation. Those are all things that Scorsese knows much about. We see why he was the perfect fit for this material.But when a film revolves almost entirely around a youth character, casting can be a make or break situation. This calls for actors well beyond their years. Asa Butterfield (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas) is not only stellar and believable; he give one of the most impressive and expressive child performances ever. The emotion he is able to convey (without dialogue even) is staggering. Also brilliant is Ben Kingsley who is sure to nab a wealth of nominations at years end. Chloe Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, and Emily Mortimer (along with many others) round out a strong and layered ensemble.As mentioned above, the film deals with film preservation. One of the film's greatest, most unforgettable treats is the recreation of early landmark moments in cinema... specifically the films of Georges Melies (who is played by Kingsley in the film). These sequences are charming and frankly incredible feats. They are also in 3D which in itself is one of the great uses of the format.Like any Scorsese picture, his unrivaled directorial prowless is the real star of the show. As expected, he continues to innovate, leave his comfort zone, and redefine himself as a filmmaker. It's safe to say no other film looks and feels like this. It's safe to say there is no greater living filmmaker.This film deserves your attention. This is a brilliant piece of entertainment and filmmaking that bleeds passion and ranks with Scorsese's best. I'm not saying that lightly, but I will say this; if you're willing to skip "Hugo," be prepared to skip one of this decade's finest features.

September 23, 2011

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hugo/

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