A magical delight

Rating: 8/10 (29 June 2015)

*THIS REVIEW IS OF THE 2D VERSION*
Scorsese's first film for children is absolutely enchanting, and proves he really is a great filmmaker. Part of being a great filmmaker, of course, is being able to put the right team around you (hence why Ridley Scott's work, as brilliant as he is, is so patchy), which in this case included cinematographer Robert Richardson and erstwhile editor Thelma "The Mothercutter" Schoonmaker.
Hugo really feels like two films in one. On one hand it's a magical children's story, and on the other it's a(n) homage to the life and work of Georges Méliès. Rather than being wrapped up in his own world, Scorsese is a true student of cinema, and his genuine love and admiration of Méliès shines through.
Chloë Grace Moretz's English accent is very good, though her usually excellent acting borders a little on the gushing here, while Asa Butterfield manages to be sweet and sympathetic but not sickly. I've also warmed to Jude Law's acting in recent years, and his is one of several delightful cameo performances by a host of class acts, rather like people you know in your everyday life popping up in a pleasant dream.
Verdict: A proper family film that doesn't patronise kids or nauseate adults. Lovely!
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