Hugo - A Movie Review

Do you want to have an adventure? Every day is an adventure.

Hugo is a 2011 film based on the book written by Brian Selznick. A young orphan boy who lives in Paris discovers secrets about his late father. These revelations help him discover a new meaning about life, friendship, and passion.

I still remember seeing Hugo for the first time in theaters nine years ago. Hugo is a magical film. No matter what, every day is an adventure. Those who enjoy creating films will enjoy the aspect of filmmaking in the early 1900s. Hugo captures an adventure for all ages about courage.

Hugo is a young boy with aspirations. Feeling that he is unworthy because of his low status, that does not stop him from fighting battles to get what he wants. Asa Butterfield was excellent as Hugo. He explored various angles of his character.

Friendship is a given. I adore the friendship between Hugo and Isabelle. Isabelle opens up Hugo’s mind encouraging him to explore the world of books. Chloe Grace Moretz has grown as an actress. She and Butterfield were a delight to watch onscreen.

Movies that influence friendships between boys and girls are my favorite. Media these days have been broadcasting relationships too much, insisting that a boy and girl have to be in a relationship over being friends. It is okay for a boy and a girl to just be friends.

Hugo contains a multitude of talents. Ben Kingsley is a strong actor. Sacha Baron Cohen shines in his humorous talents. Other credits to include are Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, and Michael Stuhlbarg. For all you Harry Potter fans, be on the lookout for two recognizable actors.

Films that provide scenes for secondary characters are very important to pay attention to. More films need to do this. We don’t always have to pay attention to the main characters. Often, secondary characters bring a new meaning to the story, providing the same lesson. Giving up on our dreams is never the answer. Keep trying.

The cinematography is stunning. Compared to other films, the cinematography for Hugo is a contrast. The texture and movement are rich. I had the greatest opportunity to see this movie when it was in 3D.

Locations are beautiful, especially scenes that take place inside the train station. The overall appearance is what captures you into the film. Now I want to go on a trip to Paris. The music enhances the scene, highlighting the tone of the film.

Martin Scorses did an amazing job taking the pages of the book and turning it into a film. He dedicated Hugo to all aspiring filmmakers. His close work with the actors made for an exciting adventure. Old films such as A Trip to the Moon are given their deserved recognition. A little too much attention in my opinion.

That being said, Hugo lags in the middle half of the film. Diverting from the main story to talk about the making of movies in the early 1900s, it made me lose interest. Learning about movies is a treasure. I feel that it wasn’t necessary to include scenes that educated people on filmmaking. It got lost in the story, paying attention to another character rather than Hugo.

Hugo is a beautiful piece of film. I recommend it to all ages. The film may not appeal to everyone because of its subject but it’s best to give films a chance. You never know what you can learn. Never end the search to find your passion. Find Hugo on Netflix and enjoy the adventure.