Hugo 3D Movie Review

'A visual extravaganza!' - One is bound to make this exclamation within first 10 minutes of 'Hugo' regardless of the fact that it was a hot favourite at the Oscars for films released in 2011. The very moment director Martin Scorsese starts capturing the city of Paris and reaches the tiny hole where central protagonist Hugo (Asa Butterfield) is stationed (around station clocks), you know that it would be one spell binding affair. Well, this is what 'Hugo' indeed turns out to be as it maintains the status of 'that one film' which deserves to be seen on the big screen.

Hugo, an orphan, wants to fulfil the dream of his dead father (Jude Law) to revive a piece of machinery that comes with amazing capabilities. While there are quite a few mechanics involved and it is nothing less than an arduous task for the young Hugo to get hold of all his resources, he faces further obstacles in the form of a toy shop owner (Ben Kingsley) and a station inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen). However he gets support in the form of Kingsley's daughter (Chloë Moretz) who promises to help him out for the sheer reason that she loves adventure. The first milestone is to catch hold of a mysterious heart shape key. However there is an even bigger mystery waiting to be unveiled that further attaches Kingsley far more firmly into Hugo's adventure.

Let a fact be stated though. 'Hugo', by its very design, isn't one of those simplistic Disney affairs. Here, despite the key protagonist being a kid, the plot is driven in a far more adult manner with Scorcese's narrative being as dramatic and thrilling as his other affairs. Of course the setting isn't as dark as 'Shutter Island' or 'The Departed'. Neither is it a fantastical plot like that of 'Harry Potter' series or 'The Polar Express' or 'A Christmas Carol'. Instead, the film balances well between telling a definite story while also giving enough to the audience when it comes to being a visual spectacle.

One word of caution though. For those expecting a fast paced affair that unfolds in a jiffy, there is quite some patience required. Just like Scorsese's other affairs, this one too moves at a leisurely pace and it takes some time for drama to indeed peak. Not that the intermittent portions are any boring but if one is expecting a fast food in the offering, there is a definite waiting period involved before all delicacies are spread out on the table.

Meanwhile the 3D treatment of the film ensures that there is still something to 'munch' upon every 10 minutes. One may not necessarily experience a sequence popping out things on your face on a regular basis but from the sheer detailing of the scenes with quite some mastery over the visuals at display; 'Hugo' turns out to be a real huge win.

Performances wise the film is good, though not excellent. Asa Butterfield plays his part well but somehow the empathy that one expected for a character like this doesn't quite come to the fore. Even Chloë Moretz doesn't make you fall for her charm and as Hugo's partner-in-adventure, she just about manages to play a supporting role. However the one from whom one expects a terrific performance film after film, Ben Kingsley, lives the part all over again. Moreover, his make up his impeccable, so much so that in the first couple of shots he is barely unrecognisable.

What one recognises though (yet again) is the fact that Scorsese is a master story teller and with this first ever film of his in 3D, he has mastered this technique as well. Surprisingly though the film hasn't quite seen a wide release in India. A major reason for that could be the fact that its DVDs are available in every nook or corner of the country. However when 'Slumdog Millionaire' could be such a huge success despite it's pirated copies being available months in advance before it's theatrical release in India, one wonders why the makers of 'Hugo' couldn't be much more aggressive than what they have been.

Rating: ***1/2