Classics: A Review of Hugo By Lauren Ennis

 No matter how bleak life may seem there is always a light waiting to warm, comfort, and inspire you at one the screen of the nearest cinema. In 2011's Hugo Martin Scorcese leaves the gangland behind for the charm of Paris and the magic of the movies. The film treats viewers to an imaginative adventure that serves equally well as a masterclass in modern storytelling and a celebration of cinema's most beloved storytellers. At once an action packed youthful adventure and a meditation on the early days of cinema the film has something for everyone in the family. Bask in the marvel that is the movies with Hugo.

The stuff that dreams are made of

The story begins with Hugo Cabret living with his widowed father in 1931 Paris. When his father brings home a broken automaton from the museum where he works the duo set to work repairing it. Before they are able to complete their project, however, Hugo's father dies in a fire, leaving Hugo in the care of his drunken uncle, Claude. He then begins an apprenticeship and learns his uncle's trade repairing the clocks at the local train station. Just as he begins to adjust to his new life he finds himself alone yet again when his uncle goes missing. Fearing that he will be sent to an orphanage if his uncle's absence is discovered he sets about continuing his uncle's work, all while devoting what little spare time he has to repairing the automaton. In his efforts to fix the automaton he crosses paths with the stern owner of the train station's toy store, Monsieur Georges, and his precocious adopted daughter, Isabelle. Together the three embark upon a journey into the power of storytelling and the magic of the movies and unravel a film history mystery along the way.

This delightful fable is both an ode to childhood and a love letter to the movies. The film sets itself apart from the many forgettable entries in family entertainment by offering a tale that is at once entertaining, intelligent, and entirely family friendly. The film refuses to speak down to its young viewers and instead offers a richly imagined adventure populated with complex characters, heart-stopping action, and weighty themes. In this way, the film offers meaningful lessons in family, resilience, and the power of imagination. Even as it engrosses viewers in its unique story the film also serves as an apt tribute to the magic of the movies and the power of storytelling. Through its exploration of Hugo and Monsieur George's divergent journeys the film highlights the human need for meaning and belonging and the ways in which stories helps us to fill that need.  Both characters use the power of storytelling to come to terms with their pasts while inspiring them to pursue a brighter tomorrow, and encourage viewers to do the same. The incorporation of Georges Melies' most famous works along with other silent era classics serves to immerse viewers in the setting while also raising awareness of the need to preserve the stories we love in order to share them with generations to come.  Lose yourself in the magic of the movies with Hugo.

The film brings its nostalgic and whimsical vision of Paris to vivid life thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Sacha Baron Cohen leaves slapstick behind and turns in a complex and vulnerable performance as the train station’s intimidating inspector, Gustave. Emily Mortimer personifies loveliness as the station's flower seller, and Gustave's love interest, Lisette. Jude Law steals the few scenes in which he appears as Hugo's kindly father. Helen McCrory is delightful in her by turns smart mouthed and heartfelt turn as Monsieur George's wife, Jeanne. Chloe Grace Moretz offers one of the best child performances in recent years as she perfectly blends intellect, adventurousness, and charm in her portrayal of Isabelle. Asa Butterfield offers an expert turn as Hugo that belies his young years as he alternates between Hugo's street-wise resilience and youthful innocence. Ben Kingsley dominates the film as the outwardly stern but inwardly tormented Monsieur Georges, in a performance that is the that stuff cinema was made for.

At once a childhood adventure and a cinematic valentine Hugo is a film that truly has something to offer to the whole family. Through its richly imagined and well written script the film takes viewers on a journey into the past that is guaranteed to enchant children and adults alike. The film's performances bring the story to vibrant life, immersing viewers in a whimsical world which they will be hard pressed to leave. Gather the family and share in the power of cinema with Hugo.