Oscar Special: Hugo (2011)

Hugo Cabret is a young boy who lives at the train station in Paris. He knows to fix things thanks to his late father, who was a clock maker. Following his death, Hugo moves in with his uncle and the clock at the station is his abode. One automaton that can write, is his favorite possession and it is not in perfect working condition now.

He steals things and eatables at the station and a toy shop owner Georges is particularly incensed by young Hugo. Georges takes away the book that Hugo so dearly treasures, one that his father gave him. Isabelle is Georges' god daughter and she befriends Hugo. Isabelle loves adventures and she is always behind Hugo in his endeavors.

There is a big suspense behind the identity of Georges and Hugo figures this out through the automaton. This suspense is truly special and is of epic proportions. Georges rediscovers his purpose and he credits young Hugo for this.

Review

• The initial scenes and the characters at the station have been beautifully portrayed
• The art work, the cinematography are surreal and magical. Paris, seen through the clock is exceptional.  
• Asa Butterfield as Hugo is the new boy wonder. He is so realistic and endearing. Chloe Grace Moretz as Isabelle acts too cutesy. She is pleasing, though. Ben Kingsley has the best role in the movie. His ease at histrionics during his flashback, is surprising given his age. Helen McCrory is beautiful and graceful as Mama Jeanne, Georges' wife. Jude Law has a small, impressive cameo. Sacha Baron Cohen as the inspector who is constantly looking out to nab the young thieves at the station provides some funny moments. His romance with a flower seller at the station is a welcome distraction.
• The music by Howard Shore is dreamy and takes us to 'wonder' land. If not for 'The Artist', this was Oscar worthy music for sure.  
• That particular scene between the kids facing the Eiffel Tower, where Hugo compares the world to a big machine with each person having some reason in it, is dreamy.
• The significance given to film history in this movie closely on the heels of 'The Artist' is a nice coincidence. These scenes are nostalgic. 
• Finally, the automaton is the biggest draw in the movie. So serene and haunting. 

VERDICT

A fantastic genre bender by Martin Scorsese. An adventure movie but, not only for the kids. MUST WATCH