France wins

Rating: 9/10 (25 March 2012)

Knowing that Martin Scorsese directed movies like "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas", it would seem inconceivable that a movie targeted at a younger audience. But not only did Marty accomplish that, he did a masterful job. This combination of early cinema with a child's quest to right the wrongs is an impressive one. More than a series of special effects, it's the perfect balance of fantasy and history. The appearance of the Robin Hood book is significant since Hugo Cabret's existence mirrors that of Robin Hood.
All in all, I really liked "Hugo". I now have an urge to watch all of Georges Méliès's surviving movies, and maybe also the ones by the Lumière brothers. Having not seen any of the other Best Picture nominees, I can't judge whether it should have won, but it's still one that I recommend. And more than anything, the Oscars that went to "Hugo" and "The Artist" - both associated with France - are a real slap in the face to all the idiots who came up with "freedom fries" (and similar things) nine years ago. Really good.