Kristi’s Take-

Magic is in the the air and I’m not referring to Christmas. It has been a while since I’ve seen a great movie in the theater, but tonight I watched a truly magnificent movie. I have literally been at a loss for words and unable to write a single review until tonight.

Hugo is about the magic of film and one of the greatest film makers ever, George Melies. The story follows a young orphan’s journey to find his purpose in life and he does this through the fixing of a broken automaton and figuring out the mystery behind its creation.

Martin Scorsese creates a magical world within a train station during the 30s in Paris. His use of vintage film footage in this movie illuminates the history of film in a way that brings tears to your eyes and a warmth to your heart. I am rarely moved by films, but even I had tears welling up inside of me when seeing the vintage footage that was included in this film. It is so hard to describe the beginning of film to people outside of the industry and finally there is a fun and family friendly movie that does exactly what I find so difficult.

There was absolutely nothing about this film I disliked and I can only imagine how dazzling it would be in 3D. I suggest that you see this movie posthaste and enjoy the experience and beauty of true cinema.

Grade: A+

 John’s Take…

Hugo is going to win a lot of awards at the Oscars this year – probably even Best Picture.  And that’s because it is a love story to Cinephiles.  My theory is that Scorsese woke up one morning and said, “I’m going to make another mobster movie!”  His wife then said, “You’ve made enough of those!”  He then said, “I’m going to make a movie to show why I love movies!  No mobsters, dear.”  By that standard, he made one of the greatest non-mobster movies ever.  If you love movies, this is a much see.  Period.  By not watching Hugo, you lose half your street cred.

If you think movies are just a good way to kill a few hours; or if you think Michael Bay is a great director; or Shia LaBeouf is a great actor, you’ll love Hugo, too, but only because you recognized Borat in it.

If my theory holds true, every critic will say (or already has said) that this is the greatest movie of the year.  When you ask your friends (I’m talking about your normal friends, not wierdos like Kristi and I), they’ll probably give you a “Meh, it was alright.”  The story is good and there’s a cool mystery to be solved, but I’m not sure how well people will enjoy all of the movie history.  If you see this, I’m genuinely curious to hear how you like it.

I saw this in 3D and it looked like Scorsese gave that extra dimension to his cinematographer instead of handling it himself.  The movie is set in Paris and every time there’s a shot of the city, the 3D is used perfectly.  Slower, dialog shots are kept flat and then stretched out as the emotion ramps up.  It’s 3D done right and it’s awesome to see.

If you have even a passing interest in movie history, then go see Hugo.  The re-enacted Behind the Scenes shots (of famous scenes like the spaceship in the eye of the moon) are worth it on their own.

Grade: A+