a 3D visual treat but too long to be hooked

Rating: 5/10 (13 May 2012)

I went on to see this without reading any reviews or even without watching the trailer. The fact that it won 5 Oscars was good enough. The tiny visuals shown during the Oscar ceremony made me believe that there would be a lot of magic and a lot of action in it. Also the name of the film Hugo made me believe it would largely be about the boy and his adventures. The film turned out to be something else and it probably was my expectation that made it disappointing for me. I kept waiting for miracles and action, but there was a lot of conversation instead which made a very lengthy film even lengthier. Though, I have to admit that I loved the art and the cinematography. The 3D effects were great and I just loved the old Paris station. I kept wondering how different life was several decades ago and how much things have changed now. I also liked the story of George Melies, his filming days, the history of cinema and the several short film shots of the classic era. The Lumière Brothers 'Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat' part was also interesting. So Hugo hardly played any role there which made me believe that the filmmakers suddenly focused on different track altogether in the second half. Overall a good experience but not a great one. Watch it once for 3D and the great classic period, but you may not watch it again.