There are a lot of cynical reviews here, because this is a truly lovely film

Rating: 9/10 (22 December 2018)

Hugo is an odd film. It's a children's film directed by the same talent that brought us the very non-child friendly The Wolf of Wall Street, Gangs of New York and Goodfellas (among others).
It's a film that, on the surface, appears to be a fantasy adventure, but in reality is a mystery drama. A lot of people were sorely disappointed by this, but this isn't the film's fault. We can blame the marketing department here, because the trailers and PR more generally made it look like a very different film.
This is a children's film about the history of cinema, not exactly the most child-friendly of topics, but my goodness is Hugo beautifully made. It's hard to articulate the appeal, because so many children and family films feel the need to stuff themselves full of fart jokes and action - you'll find none of this in Hugo.
Instead, you'll see a lovingly recreated Paris train station with a steampunk aesthetic (but not overdone). The attention to detail is extraordinary. It's packed filled with references to classic cinema that adults will appreciate, and captivating performances. Asa Butterfield and Chloe Moretz are fantastic leads here and are supported by a capable host of well-known actors, including the eminent Ben Kingsley.
At its heart, Hugo is simply a heart-warming story with a beautiful script and sophisticated direction. You do not need to be a film buff to enjoy it, but I would hope filmgoers (adults and children) leave with an appreciation of the silent era and cinematic heritage - it's unique charm and magic.
It's a niche-interest film to be sure, and if you or your children need fart jokes and explosions to enjoy a film then you'll be dissatisfied, but I saw Hugo with my niece and nephew and they were enchanted throughout. So much so, that we ended up watching A Trip to the Moon when we got home.
I've knocked a start off because I felt Sasha Baron-Cohen's character was in poor taste. He's largely relegated to comic relief, and while he does get his own character arc, there was something a little off about making humour out of a disabled war veteran's struggles (and what is implied to be PTSD).
Perhaps Hugo was just too unusual and unexpected to do well at the box office. Perhaps the subject matter was too adult and mature for a film aimed at children. I disagree. There's something in Hugo for everyone.