Hugo 2011

Hugo is an orphan boy living in the walls of a train station in 1930s Paris. He learned to fix clocks and other gadgets from his father and uncle which he puts to use keeping the train station clocks running. The only thing that he has left that connects him to his dead father is an automaton (mechanical man) that doesnt work without a special key. Hugo needs to find the key to unlock the secret he believes it contains. On his adventures he meets George Melies a shopkeeper who works in the train station and his adventureseeking goddaughter. Hugo finds that they have a surprising connection to his father and the automaton and he discovers it unlocks some memories the old man has buried inside regarding his past.

Review

I attended the DGA screening over the weekend followed by a Qɪ moderated by James Cameron. Cameron's first words (after correctly referring to Scorsese as "maestro") were "I thought weɽ just geek out over 3D for a half hour but having seen the movie... it's a masterpiece." I brought my ten year old daughter who sat if anything even more transfixed than I did. Every single image is arresting the use of 3D is perfection itself the story is engaging and thrilling and heartbreaking and uplifting and I never wanted it to end. If only itɽ be three hours! All the performances are excellent including the kids. Great British actors appear in roles with only a line or two but it helps lift the movie into the realm of Instant Classic and Sacha Baron Cohen brings nuance and heart to his humorous role as the Station Inspector. On the way to the car my daughter asked if we could get the bluray when it's available and I had the same feeling as well.