Hugo

Winter in Paris in the 1930's. An orphan boy lives in the walls of a train station and keeps the clocks working and fixes the machines. He sees something that needs fixing and that is all he can think to do: fix it. Holding his own philosophy ("The world is one big machine and machines never come with extra parts, so he had to be on Earth for a reason"), he tries to figure out his purpose in the world.

An incredible spectacle utilizing 3D technology to its fullest, Hugo takes the story of a young orphan and creates a magical mystery. This was hands down the best 3D usage ever seen. Much better than 2009's Avatar. For Martin Scorsese's ("Shutter Island") first foray into 3D he tells a story in a way only he can: providing the right amount of thrills, twists, and heart making a movie worthy of the 11 Academy Award nominations it received.

The little things make the 3D effective. One big thing was having people or other pieces of scenery passing in front of the camera, which increases depth perception and makes it feel more real. Using other techniques the camera follows young Hugo (Asa Butterfield, "Nanny McPhee Returns") into the walls of the train station, but the 3D immerses us into the story. We follow him through tunnels and crowds of people and end up feeling almost claustrophobic, but it works beautifully!

The story was just magnificent. Slowly introducing the characters one at a time instead of bombarding the viewer with every main character at once, the story ropes you in and doesn't let go. Wonderfully adapted for the screen the plot has some, but very few parts that just don't fit. Hugo could have simply said a few words in two different scenes and he would have gotten much different, faster results.

Scorsese has a way of pulling out outstanding performances from nearly every actor/actress he directs and this movie is no exception. Asa Butterfield, probably most well-known for his role in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," give a decent performance in the title role. For a 14-year-old it was good and he will only get better from here. Chloë Grace Moretz ("Let Me In") as Isabella gave a quality performance, at times she was a bit bland and expressionless, but overall it was good. Ben Kingsley ("Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time") was perfect as George Méliès, the mysterious toy shop owner.

Hugo became a movie for any dreamer or anyone who thinks they are here for a bigger purpose, Hugo teaches to never give up on your dreams. A very rewarding journey if you are willing to take it. Succumb to the story and let it take you on a ride you won't soon forget.

9/10