It's one of the best looking films I've ever seen. I saw it in 3-D and if "Hugo" is the typical example of the technology I say "more please".
I also think it's great that Scorsese made this movie more of a tribute to film than a story about a sad little boy who finds happiness. That story has been told many, many times before. But Scorsese's love of the wonders of the movies dominates the waning moments. I had been hounded by my 12-year old daughter to read the book for months but still had not as I sat in my theater seat.
Here's the sad thing. I thought the story was pedestrian. That's not the director's fault. The source material just doesn't interest me that much. The encouraging thing is that my 12 year-old was absolutely giddy as we watched. She loves the book and the film and even though it isn't my cup of tea, I am thrilled that she finds something so artfully done to be so exciting. You see this film demands attention. It's slow sometimes and there isn't much action. I think most kids will have a very hard time sitting still through "Hugo", but mine didn't and that makes me happy.
Scorsese makes this appealing for film lovers but it's a story for children that is uncharacteristically reserved and steeped in wonder.
A beautiful movie!
It wasn't a bad movie, but it wasn't too great. Even the special effects weren't all that great. I didn't go in expecting too much and I guess I came out not too disappointed.
It had it's moments, but not worth all the Oscar nominations or high praise.
Very good film, good casting and with great attention to detail.
Revisiting this for the first time since it came out thanks to the new 4k, this time as a cinephile and what a beautiful tribute to pioneers of cinema. All of the characters are charming in their own way which makes this very watchable instead of being an art house movie for historians.
I’m super ambivalent about this one. On the one hand, it’s a wonderful love letter to Georges Méliès, one of the true grandfathers of cinema. That was really fun to see from a film-nerd perspective. Knowing about Scorsese’s childhood and his long history of promoting film restoration enhances the experience and makes the whole film seem very personal.
On the other hand, from a film-making perspective I’m just not sure I’m on board. First,I like the idea that Scorsese is pushing the boundaries of the medium in the same way that Melies did, but I still hate 3D. Rewatching the movie at home on a 2D Blu-Ray, it contains way too many ostentatiously depth-filled shots that stick out like a sore thumb. Second, Scorsese really needs to lay off the teal/orange color correction (see The Aviator for another big offender.) Third, I’m not sure there was a single shot in the movie that didn’t have a CGI effect in the frame, and large sections of the movie were wholly animated. I think CGI is used best when it’s used sparingly, so these animated sequences grated on me. The whole movie was basically no more real than the “Jolly Holiday” sequence from Mary Poppins.
It was worth a re watch, was like a new film and still enjoyable, worth my time with a strong cast specially asa that’s grown up to be a good actor.
Surprisingly good film, even if a little long in the tooth.
A great film directed in a magic way by Scorsese made for every cinema lover who respects and aprreciate art.
7.8/10 Reccomend this for every kind of taste.
A technically great movie-- cinematography, acting, and directing. But, I did not find it very entertaining and lost interest. If this is aimed at children, I would be surprised if they can sit through the whole thing. I appreciate this ode to the origins of film, but it's not likely something I would watch again outside of testing 3D at home (if that ever comes back).
movie could have been more centered on hugo.
recently watched. entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat! I love Kingsley as Georges and Sacha Baron Cohen is brilliant!
Wonderful, wide-eyed, sentimental adventures through the eyes of an imaginative child. With a root premise ripped from the pages of industrial-era kids' stories, it's innocent and magical but also grounded, stretching reality like the best fairy tales. Though the plot is routinely jabbing in unexpected new directions, it's all done with a purpose and everything comes together beautifully in time for the closing credits.
Asa Butterfield and Chloe Grace Moretz are appropriately doe-eyed and rambunctious youths, Ben Kingsley brings a perfect amount of hidden warmth to the role of the stern, icy toy shop owner with a secret, and Sacha Baron Cohen shows surprising versatility in his turn as the persistent, bumbling train station officer. Spectacular visuals, passionate storytelling and expert direction make this kids' movie suitable for all ages, even if it does drag for a stretch in the second act.
The rare movie that we could actually watch with our kids. It wasn't amazing by any stretch but it was good enough for family movie night. The story was clean and there are good messages (if you are looking for that kind of stuff) and it held the attention of our kids (7 - 9). Check it out in 3d if you can - they did a great job with that.
I've rated other family movies here (there are some good ones): https://ihatebadmovies.com/movie-reviews/?tx_post_tag=family
This delightful film transports viewers to a simple, elegant world portrayed in vivid colors, colorful music and touching acting. I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing and setting of the movie, which added life and texture to the story. Although liberties are taken for the sake of romanticizing 1930s Paris, the focus of Hugo is less on the 1930s than it is on the efforts of early filmmakers and what can be learned from the past. Kingsley's acting is particularly noteworthy, though promising young star Butterfield gives an excellent performance, proving that he can keep up with the more experienced actors. Endearing and well-crafted, Hugo resounds with themes of love, family and reunion, making it a satisfying and enjoyable watch.
Paco Cinema: Image 4,25 / 5 and sound 4,25 / 5 and 3D 4,5 / 5. I still like it, Scorsese makes a great movie, 3D very good
Romanticized version of Paris as a backdrop, but none of the actors speak french throughout the film. Overly corny story. Overall a poor film. Still stunned it has such a positive reception.
A film about films by one of the best filmmakers. I loved seeing how they showed the origin of film. I need to watch a trip to the moon asap. Scorsese shows he can do different types of movies and why he truly is one of the greatest directors.
Edit: I have now seen A Trip to the Moon. I really enjoyed the second half of this movie much more than the first. Once it focused on the film story it was a lot more interesting. I would love a biopic from Scorsese about someone who makes movies. He already did it a little in The Aviator but now I want a full movie about movies.
Brilliance, wonder, magic, heart, a bit of everything.
story of machines and cinemas
Did not like this movie at all!
Agreed. It was not bad, but in my opinion it doesn't deserve the high standing it received at IMDb or a total of 11 Oscar nominations.
I liked the music that was playing. It really gave the movie a french vibe even though everyone was speaking English. It reminded me of the Pixar movie Ratatouille.
It's not bad, but nothing special IMO.
I like the other Scorsese movies better.
Shout by Chris BrinkBlockedParent2013-05-06T01:41:42Z
An outstanding film for lovers of film by a great lover of film. Scorsese succeeds in letting the audience see the origins of cinematic dream-making through the lens of hyper-contemporary cinematic technology. Kingsley is stellar, & Moretz demonstrates that she has a great future in film, should she want it. Butterfield is a bit wooden, but he is far from unwatchable. Sumptuous but somehow intimate, Hugo shows that technology when used properly can complement the story.