A cinematic masterpiece, but not a children's film

Rating: 9/10 (15 August 2015)

Hugo is visually stunning piece, even for someone like me, who has no stereopsis and therefore can't appreciate the 3D effects.
Beyond that, it's one people either love or hate. I fall into the former camp: it's a film I can watch over again, each time being drawn into the dark yet fairytale fantasy of Hugo's world. Asa Butterfield is perfect in the pivotal role, portraying a contrasting depth of naive wonder and knowing street-wisdom that haunts me long after the final credits have rolled. Ably supported by Chloë Grace Moretz under Scorsese's skillful direction, the pair put the schmaltz of the Harry Potter flicks to shame. True magic.
But they are decidedly Harry and Hermione for grownups. There's nothing supernatural here and, despite much talk of adventure, it's true that not a lot actually happens story-wise. This boy wizard's talents are rooted in the mundane art of clockwork and Voldemort is a peg-legged station inspector (with an excellent low-key performance from the wonderful Sacha Baron Cohen). Some more discerning older teens might enjoy it, but this is not stuff for the kiddies.
If you love cinema and enjoy movies that rely on visuals and symbolism rather than fast-paced action, then this is a film for you. It's a masterpiece that I believe will stand the test of time and come to be regarded as a classic by film historians of the future.