
Hugo
2011, Adventure/Drama, 2h 6m
228 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Hugo is an extravagant, elegant fantasy with an innocence lacking in many modern kids' movies, and one that emanates an unabashed love for the magic of cinema. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Papa Georges, Georges Méliès
Station Inspector
Hugo Cabret
Isabelle
Uncle Claude
Lisette
News & Interviews for Hugo
Critic Reviews for Hugo
All Critics (228) | Top Critics (62) | Fresh (211) | Rotten (17)
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The first thing to say... is that it is a visual wonder... But the second thing to say is nothing else is as exciting as the look of it and if there is a third thing it is this: Hugo himself is rather boringly bland and I didn't much care for him.
August 31, 2018 | Full Review… -
It is a miraculous achievement that, during this home stretch, engages on levels and in ways few other films can admit to, and as such makes a decided case to be considered as one of the year's finest achievements.
January 27, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
Being a hardcore cinephile (like Scorsese) might add a layer of enjoyment, but it certainly isn't a prerequisite for walking in the door. A sense of wonder, however, is.
January 3, 2012 -
Hugo is an intensely personal statement from Scorsese, one not just about magic, but also the magic of cinema.
December 9, 2011 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… -
Leave it to Martin Scorsese to use 3-D not as a gimmick, but as a means of drawing us into a unique and magical environment...
December 2, 2011 | Full Review… -
Hugo is cinema shining a light reverently up its own fundament.
December 2, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Hugo
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Aug 15, 2017Hugo is probably Scorsese's most overlooked film. In my opinion, this is an absolute joy to watch from start to finish. Whether you are a child or adult, there is definitely something here for you to admire. It's incredibly ambitious and stuffed with sub-plots but the main purpose of the film is to express the adoration of classic cinema by being a partial biopic to Georges Méliès. Also known as the 'Cinemagician', he was a pioneer when it came to the movement of cinema and created many influential pieces such as 1902's famous "Le Voyage Dans La Lune" (which I advise all of you to watch and appreciate). On top of this, you have a boy named Hugo who is really trying to find a purpose. Having lost his father, he lives in a train station and observes the employees and their interactions. Each character is animated and charismatic and mimics the expressiveness of classic cinema. Sure this part of the film is aimed towards the younger audiences, but I personally believe it's a homage to earlier films if you look into it further. Incredible cast, Asa Butterfield has that premature innocence and is able to hold the film together. Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helen McCrory are also noteworthy and bring out some superb performances. I adore the mystery that Hugo explores, particularly with an automaton that is left with him...it added a sense of adventure and it had me hooked. Scorsese fantastically directed this and I appreciate him using Méliès' original film reels when showing the footage. The cinematography was stunning, particularly loved the winter tundra aesthetic. The musical score was very...how to put this...frenchy? Or perhaps Parisian? I loved it. One of the best films in 3D by the way, highly recommend you watch it in this format. My only issue with the film is that I wanted some more emotional impact! A few scenes where Butterfield gets emotional but he just doesn't quite reach that height, so close though. All in all, a fantastic film for both families and cinephiles who are interested in classic cinema. It's full of charm!Luke A Super Reviewer
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Mar 27, 2016A love letter to cinema that never quite hits it, Hugo attempts to appeal to every demographic possible but stumbles along the way. The visual effects, while impressive at times, seem unneeded for the story it wants to tell and the acting ranges from overly serious to overly comedic.Matthew M Super Reviewer
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Mar 28, 2015This film takes forever to get off the ground, and the first half hour is so incredibly boring. I don't even care about Hugo for most of it...I would have rather seen a movie that focused on George Melliers instead...he's a far more interesting subject. My main problem with this film though is that it doesn't know what it wants to be. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be magical or gritty, depressing or uplifting, or just a snapshot of life in Paris post WWI, and a look at all the characters of the train station and their daily lives. Now, it could be all of these things, but it doesn't do any of them particularly well, otherwise this movie would've been so much better. The last 20 minutes or so really salvages this movie though thankfully. If you watch this film, don't expect too much out of it.Stephen S Super Reviewer
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Jan 07, 2014Scorsese is a filmmaker whose concern has always been to explicitly demonstrate his cinematic inspiration sources, from his frenetic and refreshing gangster films, to his disturbing thrillers, until the great documentaries he made about the influence of Italian cinema in his particular nostalgic vision. <i>Hugo</i> reiterates this phacet of his, creating an absorbing environment with fantastical elements that surpass reality even if it is not a fantasy film, in the same way that cinema made our dreams come true as well. Even if it falls amidst an average realm of quality regarding his directing capabilities contrasted with his more challenging and innovative body of work (especially in the 70s and 80s), <i>Hugo</i> does not fail to impress at certain segments and pays a proper and beautiful tribute to those visionary masters that made the impossible possible. Méliès did not only brought what seemed like a fantasy come true - moving images - but also surpassed our perceptions of reality through his thought provoking illusions, his magic tricks, his trips to the moon, his infernal boiling pots, his skies plagued with imagery never imagined before. Kingsley was the most obvious choice, but not necessarily an incorrect one. The whole cast seems to be aware of the artistic importance of this humble tribute and embrace their performances with commitment and care. It is by no means a great film, but my inner critic, who is in nostalgic tears right now, says that I couldn't ask anything more from this adaptation. It fulfilled its purpose well, being one of its charms displaying one of my favorite movie references I have ever seen: the character Hugo Cabret pulling off the stunts of Harold Lloyd in his own giant, mechanical clock. 70/100Edgar C Super Reviewer
Hugo Quotes
Theatre Manager: | What are you two rats doing in here? *throws Hugo and Isabelle outside* Better not see you in here again! |
Theatre Manager: | What are you two rats doing in here? [throws Hugo and Isabelle outside] Better not see you in here again! |
Isabelle: | This might be an adventure, and I've never had one before - outside of books, at least. |
Station inspector: | We'll let the orphanage deal with you |
Hugo Cabret: | No! I don't belong there! |
Station inspector: | Where do you belong then? A child has to belong somewhere! |
Hugo Cabret: | Listen to me! Please, please listen to me! You don't understand! You have to let me go. I don't understand why, why father died, why I'm alone. It is my only chance.. to work (looks at the Inspector's artificial leg). You should understand! |
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