Away Hu-go on an adventure!

'Hugo'

When you think of Martin Scorsese, you think of tough talking classics like 'Taxi Driver, 'Goodfellas' or even more recently the thriller 'Shutter Island'. Marty has made movies for adults, mainly of the 15 and 18 certificate nature, So for the first time he try's his hand at making a family movie, also in 3D  for the first time. Big question marks has been on a lot of people's mind in the industry, to see if Scorsese can pull it off. You can put your mind at rest because he does, very much so.

Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) is an Orphan who lives in the dark, cold places of a Train Station in 1930's Paris.  He works on making sure the clocks are working in an orderly fashion. He is mean't to be living with his uncle, but he disappeared leaving Hugo to fend for himself, by stealing food and parts for an automaton, which is all he has left from his father (Jude Law), who dies in an accident. Hugo gets caught stealing by a toy maker in the station, George Melies (Ben Kingsley), who seems to have some problem with the little guide book which Hugo's father scribbles the automaton's parts on. Hugo goes on a journey of finding out what the mystery involving the automaton, his father, George and his goddaughter Isabelle (Chloe Moretz).

First of all, the use of 3D is the best I've seen since 'Avatar'. It left me virtually headache free, I've found that to be what a lot of people find to be the problem with 3D. I don't mind 3D, I do think it's here to stay though, at least for the foreseeable future. Now to the actual story and performances. Ben Kingsley is the very very good, with his coldness at the start of the movie, which becomes less throughout the movie. In the latter part of the movie, Scorsese tips his hat to the magic of movies, with short clips of old Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin movies, which gives a sense that this is a little love note to the origins of movie. The story is a  heartwarming affair, with the brilliance of young Asa Butterfield, who makes you feel for the plucky boy, who seems to hit every obstacle on the way.

Sacha Baron Cohen, is the station inspector, who acts as Hugo's foil, gives a less then convincing performance, with his mockney accent. Remember, it's set in Paris, but it's an English speaking film. There are some very good actors, who has very small parts in the movie, which is a bit sad to see. I would of liked to hear a bit more of Richard Griffith or a Ray Winstone. But I suppose that Scorsese can get the even the best of actors for the smallest part.

Take the family to see this, if you have small children, this is the perfect thing to keep them enthralled for a couple of hours. This will be classed as a Christmas film which will be enjoyed for years to come. Job done Marty.

4 out of 5