Hugo

I'm writing this review having just gotten back from the theater after seeing this movie, that is how excited I am about this movie. First off, let me explain to you how I felt going into this movie, that way you get a better idea as to why I say the things that I say about this movie. When I first heard about this movie, all I knew was that it was directed by Martin Scorsese, who is hands down my favorite director of all time. Goodfellas, Casino, Taxi Driver, The Departed, all great movies, two of them are two of my favorite movies of all time. When I saw the trailer for this movie, my thoughts were "Martin Scorsese is making a PG film? And one that looks like it's meant for kids? AND IT'S IN 3D?" Given Scorsese's reputation, I was not expecting the best from him on this movie, especially after Shutter Island. Don't get me wrong, I loved that movie, but to me, it signaled the point in his career where Scorsese had stopped making award-winning pictures and was now just coasting. So when I texted my friend today saying I wanted to see The Muppets, he told me he would rather see either Happy Feet 2 or Hugo. Hesitantly, I said I was willing to sit through Hugo if that is what he wanted.

Alright I'm going to stop delaying and get right to it, Hugo is a fantastic, wonderful, beautifully made film! I may go so far as to say that it is one of Scorsese's best movies, and is my new favorite movie for this year. This is Martin Scorsese's love-letter to movies. A big part of it has to do with the early days of film and how one of the characters was one of the first people to use special effects in motion pictures. And while this is a PG movie, I don't think that it's really a kids movie because I can see kids getting bored really easily while watching this. The real people that will enjoy this movie are the film buffs. If you are as passionate about movies as I am, go see this movie right now. The CGI is well used, I've read some reviews that say the 3D is spectacular (I might go see it again and pay the extra cash to see it in 3D), and the performances are great as well, which is pretty common in a Martin Scorsese movie. Who would have thought that you could get dramatic actors like Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley and also have comedic ones like Sacha Baron Cohen in a movie together and have it work so well. Jude Law is also great as Hugo's deceased father, and even the two leading kids are great in this movie. Somebody is getting a nomination in this movie, that much I can guarantee. Scorsese might get another nomination as well and it will be well-deserved.

What can you say really? This is a movie that is a salute to movies that is for movie buffs and made by the master of movies himself. Not only is this one of the best movies of the year, it might worm its way onto my list of all time favorite movies. I seriously can not wait to pick this one up on DVD. As we were leaving the theater, my friend asked me "Has Scorsese ever let you down?" To which I replied "Not yet, and I don't think he ever will"

Final Grade: A+
Yours truly,
MP