Hugo

[huntergrayson]

Willing to overcome my 3D aversion because it's Marty. I'm more concerned that it's PG and a huge moviegoing weekend and I LOATHE annoying kids in movie theaters.

The reviews I've read also say that despite it being a nongangster film and an adaptation, it's hugely personal to Marty and his love of film and film preservation (George Melies is a central character in the plot).

[Deleted]

Has anyone else seen this? I thought it was great. I loved all the little plots they had, like the old man trying to flirt with the tea shop lady but the dog kept scaring him off, and the thing with the cop whose wife left and was pregnant but it might not be his. The kid who played Hugo has the biggest and bluest eyes I've ever seen on a kid, it was kind of eerie actually.

[huntergrayson]

I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I'm not a huge fan of 3D but this is undoubtedly the greatest use of it I've ever seen. I was also impressed how it allowed all its characters, even its villains, to have humanity and goodness in them. Also, Christopher Lee as a good guy? How often does THAT happen?

It also really captured a child's sense of wonder and adventure. And what a love letter to the power of cinema.

Slate was kind enough to do an article separating the fact from fiction (spoilers, obviously).

I'd be intrigued to hear what actual children thought of this.

[Deleted]

Christopher Lee was great, though I wasn't sure it was him until I saw his teeth. I'm just so not used to seeing him as a benevolent character. And as a librarian I was swooning at the book shop and library scenes. That library was just so gorgeous. The whole film was gorgeous, from beginning to end. I figured if any director could do live action 3D right, it'd be Scorcese. Did you spot his cameo?

[huntergrayson]

No, I missed it!

I also swooned at the library scenes - I love how passionate the movie was about books and movies. On actual paper and in the theater. It's a really strong argument against a Kindle or watching The Departed on your Iphone.

[Deleted]

He was the photographer that took a picture of Georges and Jeanne outside the greenhouse studio during Georges' flashback. It was a bit hard to recognize him because he was wearing old timey clothes and facial hair but I'd recognize those eyebrows anywhere.

I did like that the movie also served as a love letter to the artistry and magic of movies. I know Scorcese is way into film history so it was cool that was finally able to work it into a movie.

[Deleted]

Saw this yesturday and loved it. what a beautiful tribute to the preservation of film.

[myboys]

We loved this movie and the book is nothing to sneeze at, either. It's absolutely beautiful, weaving the story with Selznick's illustrations. Pure loveliness.

[velveeta]

I took my daughters (5 and 7) to see it. They absolutely loved it, were mesmerized by the visuals, and rather touched by the story They especially loved the automaton, and have been drawing pictures inspired by the movie all week. They sat silent through the whole movie except for the two near-misses with the train which completely freaked out my younger one.

[Martini Girl]

It was my favorite film of the year. Lyrical and majestic. The score, acting, cinematography-- everything-- stunning.

I'm pissed Paramount dropped the ball on marketing.

Greecies-- Go see this! It's almost nothing like the trailers would have you believe!!