Hugo (a marvelous Asa Butterfield) lives in the walls of train station. His father died in a accident and he was left in the care of of his uncle. His uncle repaired the clocks at this train station before he left for a life of boozing. Hugo now operates the clocks, steals food when necessary, avoids the station inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen) and also takes toys. These toys have parts he needs to finish the automaton that Hugo and his father were repairing. It's the last thing of his father that Hugo has. He needs a key that mysteriously his new friend (Chloe Grace Moretz) keeps around her neck to finish it. Her godfather gave it to her.
The godfather is George Melies (Ben Kingsley), if you don't recognize the name let me due a brief history lesson. Melies was a magician turned filmmaker. He is credited with creating special effects in films. A Trip to the Moon is his most recognized film and rightfully so. It's a beautiful dream of cinema. Scorsese has made a film not only for kids but for cinephiles. It's darling to see the love for such a movement recreated by Scorsese. It's not a factual account of the man's life but it recognizes Melies' work. Scorsese is known for his gangster films but Hugo may be closest to his heart. This film is the soul of such a great man. It's a piece of art to love.
***1/2 out of ****
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