Hugo Directed by: Martin Scorsese Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law Rating: PG Release Date: November 23, 2011
TRAILER SCORE: 9/10
Thoughts by TSR: This has been a film I’ve been looking forward to all year, in large part because it’s a great unknown. “What does a Martin Scorsese children’s adventure film look like?” I wondered. Now there’s an answer to that question: Great. Scorsese may be doing something different than usual with Hugo, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t going to be right at home with the rest of his filmography.
The trailer sells a film that is a wonderful blend of adventure and drama, and that only makes me want to see it more. The fantastical elements are great, but the thing I’m most taken by is the genuine emotion – especially present in the brief moments involving Ben Kingsley’s character. Kingsley is not, however, the only one to bring out the human element. The film features a stunning cast of proven actors of all ages. Kingsley, Jude Law, Chloe Moretz, and Sacha Baron Cohen all look as good as expected. Asa Butterfield was the only part of the cast that was really a question mark. I haven’t seen any of his previous films, so I was unsure whether he was capable of leading this cast. Fortunately, Butterfield truly impresses here as the titular Hugo Cabret. He shines in his moments with both Moretz and Law, and I’m excited to see how all of these relationships play out.
Little of this is surprising to me, but the trailer did make me say something I didn’t expect I’d say again: “I need to see this in 3D.” I haven’t felt that since Avatar, but the visuals on display here are too good for me to pass up. I expect Scorsese’s 3D will be immersive, the way it should be, and it could be very effective. Using the 3D to immerse us in this world is what I’m looking for, but I’ll admit imagining the Safety Last!-esque moment where Butterfield hangs from the giant clock face in 3D is pretty thrilling.
I’ve watched this trailer multiple times already, finding more to love every time through. It really seems like it has something for everybody. A legendary director, a great cast, gorgeous visuals, adventure, heart... what more could a person want? Between this and The Muppets, it appears that film fans are going to have plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.