Hugo Review

While it is pretty rare for me to go to movies let alone watch movies these days, December seems to be an exception. I tend to spend more time visiting with family and friends, and generally have more free time away from work. Therefore, it stands to reason that more movies are watched this time of year than any other, at least for me.

Last night, I had the chance to see Hugo (in 3D) with some friends. In recent memory I've seen a few films that didn't really take advantage of the 3D aspect of things (Captain America comes to mind). Hugo, fortunately, right from the get-go, proved to the contrary. This movie did, and does, take advantage of 3D.

Hugo stars Ben Kingsley (the toymaker), Sacha Baron Cohen (station inspector), Asa Butterfield (as Hugo Cabret), and Chloë Grace Moretz as Isabelle, the toymaker's daughter.

The movie itself is set in 1930s Paris and is about an orphan boy (Hugo) who lives in the walls of a train station. After his father passes away in a tragic fire, his uncle "adopts" him and takes him to the train station where he maintains the clocks. Hugo is forced to steal in order to live. However, he is caught by the toymaker. The toymaker's daughter befriends Hugo, and Hugo begins to learn more about the toymaker's past.

This movie is essentially a family-friendly film. It is a heartwarming story about a man who wanted to forget his past, and doesn't believe in "happy endings". He is nevertheless recognized and rewarded for his work in the end. I highly recommend the film.