HUGO REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Martin Scorcese is best known for directing dark thrillers such as The Departed and Shutter Island and dramas such as Goodfellas and Taxi Driver. Judging from those films alone, I would never have guessed that Scorcese directed this adventure filled family film. With strong performances featuring some of Hollywood's most beloved actors and a beautiful story based on Brian Selznick's book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. 

The film is set in 1930s Paris and the title character, Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), is a lonely orphan that lives in a train station and spends his days fixing the clocks which he learnt from his father (Jude Law). Unfortunately, his father has recently passed away, leaving behind an unfinished automaton that doesn't work without a key which Hugo is determined to find. Throughout the film, we learn more about Hugo and the shopkeeper, George Melies (Ben Kingsley), who he steals various bits and pieces from for his automaton. This is where he befriends the shopkeeper's goddaughter, Isabelle (Chloe Grace Moretz), and the two learn that there is more to George.

Hugo is a beautifully made film. The opening scene shows the inside of a clock before transitioning to the streets of Paris and inside the busy train station where Hugo lives. It's no surprise it won five Oscars, including Best Achievement in Cinematography, Visual Effects and Art Direction. 

There are also many strong performances throughout, especially from Asa Butterfield. He makes Hugo sympathetic and likable and shows talent for his age. I also liked Chloe Grace Moretz as Isabelle. She is empathetic towards Hugo as she lost her parents as a young age and know what it feels like to be alone. She is optimistic, though, and spends her days reading books, in the hopes for an adventure. Ben Kingsley stands out as the real-life George Melies, the elderly shopkeeper, who was once a famous director but, unfortunately, had to sell the majority of his films. Not only does Kingsley resemble the late iconic director but he gives a truly mesmerising performance. Sacha Baron Cohen gives comic relief as a Station Inspector that is determined to capture Hugo and put him in an orphanage whilst also besotted with a florist (Emily Mortimer).

I can definitely say that this one of Scorcese's finest work. I think he should direct more family films in the future.

8/10