I have tried to watch this film three or four times and I can only last 15-20 minutes at best before wanting to pick up the phone and call Martin Scorcese. It is certainly a visually stunning movie, but not much else. The story line is pathetic and the choice of actors (esp. Sacha Cohen) destroys any interest I might hope to give it. The reason I dislike it so much has perhaps something to do with my vision of art. Art serves no purpose other than to distract from reality, hence it's not worth participating in. However, I can see how an art lover might appreciate Hugo - we would just never get along.

There are few films that have been created that make as much impact on you as the book. Before seeing the film I read and loved the stunning and unique book with art that captivated my imagination. when I went to see the film I was sceptical, my expectations where not super high because the film could not possibly be better than the film, it hardly ever is but this time it was different. the film was not better than the book but for me it almost matched it. Martin Scorsese did a fantastic job of directing this film. the music, the setting and the feel of this movie helped you get utterly lost in this clockwork movie. I have deliberately not said anything about the story because you need to experience it yourself, go and see it now.

Hugo, an orphan child living in some hidden tunnels in a train station gets into trouble while trying to fix a robot which may elucidate the mystery of his father's death. Meanwhile, he befriends the adopted daughter of a local toy repair store owner which has a couple of mysteries of his own. His adventure will prove to be more tangled than he expected as more and more clues and connections are revealed.It's an emotional and dramatic story which follows an ingenious little boy and his everyday struggles. His adventures are presented in style, in a very atmospheric place, the train station. It has soul, it looks great and it has some very good actors. You get eager to find out what will happen to Hugo right from the beginning which creates some sort of a bond, a great feeling. The finale is as surprising and satisfying as it is unexpected. The mystery surrounding his father's past, together with the one from the repair shop owner will definitely prove worthwhile. A very good movie, no doubt about it.

A true masterpiece by a master filmmaker, Martin Scorsese. By far this the best film I've seen from him. And that's saying a lot considering I've seen Wolf of Wall Street, The Departed, and The Aviator. What makes this work for me? The performances, the visual effects, and the story. Firstly, the master actor Ben Kingsley was the perfect choice to play Georges Melies as a defeated and broken man. Asa Butterfield proves to be the best child actor working today, he gives a very mature performance that I think Kingsley would approve of. Chloe Grace Moretz was more than just a typical love interest, but has a complex situation with her grandfather. The visual effects are astounding. The story I love most of all, it respectively pays tribute to the birth of cinema while also telling a touching, complex story. Overall, the film is very satisfying in all the right ways. The only negative I'd have to say is not much, I struggle to think of any gripes. So go see it, its worth a look.